Okay News reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria has forwarded the name of Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu-Udeh, the current Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Enugu State in southeastern Nigeria, to the Senate for confirmation as a minister of the Federal Republic.
The request, made in accordance with Section 147 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), was contained in a letter read during Tuesday’s plenary session by Senate President Godswill Akpabio in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Tinubu stated, “I am pleased to forward to the Senate the nomination of Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu-Udeh, SAN, for confirmation as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. While I hope that this request will receive the usual expeditious consideration of the Senate, please accept, distinguished Senate President and distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest regards.”
Dr. Udeh’s nomination follows the resignation of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, who stepped down last month after controversies surrounding his academic qualifications, including a disputed certificate allegedly obtained from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a questioned National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.
Nnaji’s resignation left Enugu State without representation in the Federal Executive Council — a constitutional requirement mandating that each of Nigeria’s 36 states must have at least one representative in the cabinet.
Dr. Udeh, a respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) with an extensive record in law and governance, is expected to fill this gap. His nomination reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to maintaining constitutional balance and ensuring that all states are adequately represented in the national cabinet.
Political observers in Abuja noted that the President’s move also signals an effort to stabilize his administration and sustain inclusivity among Nigeria’s diverse geopolitical zones.
After reading the President’s letter, Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole for immediate screening and confirmation.
Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu-Udeh’s confirmation, if approved, would restore Enugu’s voice in the Federal Executive Council, strengthening the southeastern region’s representation in national decision-making.
