Senate confirms Kingsley Ude as Federal Minister

The Senate has officially confirmed Dr. Kingsley Ude, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Enugu State, as a Minister of the Federal Republic following his screening on Thursday.

Born in 1978, Ude previously served as Enugu State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. During his Senate screening, lawmakers questioned him on national and international matters, including the ongoing concerns surrounding the Trump administration’s remarks on Nigeria.

Senator Abdul Ningi inquired about Ude’s perspective on the issue, prompting a brief debate in the chamber as some senators argued that Ude had already proven his competence for the ministerial role. Ude responded by noting that President Bola Tinubu was handling the matter diplomatically, stressing it was primarily a diplomatic rather than legal issue.

Senator Adamu Aliero also asked for Ude’s views on whether the offices of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice should be separated. Ude replied that the effectiveness of the office depends on the individual in charge and their ability to remain free from political influence.

Satisfied with his responses, the Senate asked Ude to take a bow before formally confirming him as minister.

Ude’s confirmation follows the resignation of Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who stepped down amid a certificate scandal, leaving Enugu State temporarily without representation in the Federal Executive Council.