The Senate has postponed the scheduled screening of ministerial nominees, initially set for today, to Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 12:00 pm. The rescheduling aims to give the nominees more time to complete their documentation and pre-screening processes.
This decision was announced in a statement signed by Senator Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters, and titled “Postponement of Ministerial Screening.”
Lado explained, “The scheduled screening of ministerial nominees has been postponed by the Senate. This is to allow all nominees to conclude all aspects of documentation and pre-screening exercises. The screening has been rescheduled for Wednesday, October 30th, 12 noon prompt.”
The Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters also expressed its appreciation for the public’s understanding and cooperation.
Earlier, on Monday, Senator Lado had confirmed that the screening process was set to begin today, October 29, 2024. He had stated that the nominees were already submitting relevant documents in preparation for their screening and confirmation by the Senate.
President Tinubu had previously written to the Senate, requesting the screening and confirmation of seven ministerial nominees. The nominees include:
Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda (Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction), Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi (Minister of Labour and Employment), Bianca Odinaka Odumegwu-Ojukwu (Minister of State, Foreign Affairs), Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (Minister of Industry, Trade, and Development), Idi Muktar Maiha (Minister of Livestock Development), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata (Minister of State, Housing), Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad (Minister of State, Education)
President Tinubu urged the Senate to expedite the screening and confirmation process in his letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Following the letter’s reading during a plenary session, the Senate referred the request to the committee of the whole for swift consideration.
The postponed screening will now proceed on Wednesday, October 30, as the nominees complete their remaining documentation requirements.