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Senators champion Tinubu’s nominees, turning screening session into a comedic spectacle.
In the wake of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s presidential election win on February 25, expectations soared that the new leader would quickly assemble his cabinet, breaking from the pace of his predecessor, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, who took nearly six months to announce his ministers. Despite the initial anticipation, President Tinubu only released his list of 28 ministerial nominees close to the 60-day submission deadline after his swearing-in. Another batch of 19 nominees followed shortly after, totaling 47 names sent to the Senate for confirmation.
The screening process in the Senate was a blend of rigorous scrutiny, drama, and intrigue. Some nominees faced tough questions about their qualifications and past records, while others received a quick pass with the traditional “take a bow and go” gesture. Notably, nominee Bello Muhammed from Sokoto State stirred controversy over his academic qualifications. Another nominee, Prof. Joseph Utsev, raised eyebrows with his claim of starting primary school at three. During the session, tech guru and nominee, Bosun Tijani, faced questions about his past critical tweets on Nigeria.
The varied reactions and approaches by the senators during the screening sessions reflect the complex interplay of politics, personal histories, and the diverse expectations of a nation waiting for effective governance.
The Senate’s screening for ministerial appointments had its fair share of drama and unexpected turns. A significant instance was when former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, appeared for screening. His previous confrontations with lawmakers came back to haunt him. Senator Darlington Nwokocha from Abia Central voiced concerns over Keyamo’s past actions, especially his alleged disregard for legislative summons and involvement in a controversial employment scheme. Despite these accusations, after a closed-door session, the Senate permitted Keyamo to apologize, after which he was allowed to proceed without further scrutiny.
However, not all went smoothly. Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, did not receive confirmation, alongside Abubakar Danlandi from Taraba State and Stella Okotete, former Nexim Bank Managing Director, from Delta State. The Senate cited ongoing “security clearance” as the reason for the delay. Following the non-confirmation, El-Rufai announced his disinterest in the ministerial position and subsequently left the country after meeting with the President.
Overall, the current Senate displayed leniency, with Senate President Akpabio often intervening to ease the process for nominees. This soft approach contrasts sharply with previous Senate sessions where nominees underwent rigorous screenings.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain the status quo in a dispute over the party’s candidates emerging from the Benue State APC primaries for the 2027 general election.
The order was made on Thursday by Justice Inyang Ekwo during proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1429/2026, filed by Engr. Sesugh Akaagba and other aggrieved APC candidates from Benue State against the APC and INEC.
The plaintiffs had, through an ex parte motion filed on July 5, 2026, sought six interim reliefs, including an order restraining the APC from substituting its validly nominated candidates in Benue State through its June 29, 2026 correspondence, or any subsequent communication, to INEC, pending determination of the substantive suit.
They also sought an order compelling the APC to immediately transmit to INEC the names of candidates validly nominated during the primaries monitored by the electoral commission.
When the matter first came up on July 8, 2026, the court declined to grant the interim application immediately, directing both APC and INEC to appear and respond before any decision was taken. The matter was adjourned to July 16.
At Thursday’s proceedings, counsel representing the APC and INEC were present in court, while the plaintiffs were represented by Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, alongside his legal team.
In his ruling, Justice Ekwo held that since issues had been joined by the parties particularly with INEC now before the court, the defendants were required by law to preserve the subject matter of the litigation pending determination of the substantive suit.
When counsel to the plaintiffs urged the court to caution APC and INEC against taking any further action that could affect the disputed list of candidates, the judge responded that it was “not a matter of advice but of law,” stressing that the defendants were bound to maintain the status quo.
The court consequently restrained APC and INEC from taking any action capable of altering the disputed list of candidates pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
The defendants did not object to the restraining order.
At the commencement of proceedings, the court noted that all parties had voluntarily submitted to its jurisdiction by duly filing and exchanging their respective processes.
It held that there was no procedural or jurisdictional impediment to the expeditious determination of the substantive action, and directed that the matter be heard without further delay.
In furtherance of the objective of preserving the res and safeguarding the efficacy of the judicial process, the court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and final determination of the substantive suit, restraining any act or omission capable of prejudicing the rights of the parties or rendering the proceedings nugatory.
The court further directed that INEC be served forthwith with the originating and all consequential processes.
The effect of the subsisting order is that INEC is restrained from tampering with the existing list of candidates pending final determination of the suit, and from receiving, recognising, or acting upon any purported substituted list of National Assembly candidates from Benue State submitted by the APC.
The matter was adjourned to July 21, 2026, for hearing of the substantive suit.
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and former First Lady Patience Ibifaka Jonathan recently celebrated a significant family milestone as they attended the graduation ceremony of their son, Ariara Goodluck Jonathan, at Manchester Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom.
The proud parents joined family members and well-wishers to witness Ariara receive his degree, marking the successful completion of his academic programme. The occasion was filled with joy as the Jonathan family commemorated the achievement, highlighting the importance they place on education and personal development.
The graduation ceremony attracted warm congratulatory messages from friends, associates, and admirers, who wished the graduate continued success in his future endeavours.
The Following names joined the political family of Sen. Dr. George Akume today after leaving the sinking Alia ship .
Under the leadership of Barr. Emmanuel Jime .
The are ;
Chief Nelson Alapa
Douglas pepe SAN senatorial Aspirant zone A,
Engr Peter Ashiekaa
QS Clement Beetseh
Former commissioners
Joy Luga
Ann itodo
Barr martins Shaagee
Miss Dorcas
Prof Usar Joseh
Prof Cephas Tushima
Chief Patrick Idoko
Hon Patience Akor
Hon Fred Idoko
Hon Lawrence Ekpo Onoja Jnr
Hon Andrew Abah
Hon Agbo Innocent Ikwumonu
Hon Simon Omachoko
Hon David Egboja
Dr John Garba
Among together,
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