Senate okays Kingsley Ude as minister

The Nigerian Senate has confirmed Dr. Kingsley Ude, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Enugu State, as a Minister of the Federal Republic.

The confirmation followed a screening session on the Senate floor on Thursday.

Born in 1978, Ude previously served as Enugu State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

During the screening, senators questioned him on national and diplomatic issues, including Nigeria’s response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threats.

Responding, Ude said President Bola Tinubu was managing the situation through diplomatic channels, describing it as “a matter of diplomacy rather than law.”

He also addressed the debate on separating the offices of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, saying the success of either arrangement depends on the integrity and independence of the officeholder.

Satisfied with his responses, the Senate asked him to take a bow and subsequently confirmed his appointment.

Ude’s confirmation follows the resignation of Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who stepped down amid a certificate scandal.