Tomorrow, senators will begin screening the nominees and senate president Bukola Saraki is under pressure to stick to the tradition, of allowing former legislators to just take a bow before being approved. However, some senators from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are pushing for an open and equal screening.
In the past, ministerial nominees who have served as parliamentarians are spared a brutal grilling when they appear before the senate. However, the leadership of the senate may take a decision before the screening opens. Senator Saraki is likely to present the issue before the executive session prior to the commencement of the screening.
Among the former legislators on President Buhari's list include ex-senators Udoma Udo-Udoma, Aisha Alhassan; Chris Ngige, Hadi Sirika and Governor Amaechi, who was a former speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Other include Audu Ogbeh, a former deputy speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly; Hon. Ahmed Musa Ibeto, a former member of the House of Representatives and Adebayo Shittu, a former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly.
Many senators supported sticking to parliamentary tradition for the automatic clearance of the eight former lawmakers but others are opposed to it, wanting proper screening. Also the senate has re-echoed the statement made by Senator Dino Melaye, the chairman of its adhoc media committee on the need for two senators to endorse a nominee from their state.
This followed the apprehension that some of the ministerial nominees will not be able to scale the screening hurdle, following their apparent likelihood of not getting the endorsement of two senators from their states. However, this is likely to create problems for some ministers like Governor Amaechi, who have acrimonious relationships with senators for their states.
One principal officer said: “The senate president is under pressure to break the tie and provide direction for senators who are divided on some nominees, especially the former lawmakers. Saraki’s personal relationship with some of these former lawmakers has made the pressure on the senate more challenging.
"However, the main issue is whether or not to give parliamentary waiver to ex-lawmakers who have been nominated as ministers. Some senators are insisting on the adoption of the parliamentary tradition to screen and clear the eight ex-lawmakers and normally by our tradition, the eight nominees are expected to take a bow after explaining their plans for the nation."
Governor Amaechi is said to have written to the senate to stay action on any issue emanating from the Commission of Inquiry set up by the government of Rivers State. He said since a matter was pending in court on the inquiry, it would be subjudice for the senate to dabble in it.
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