Today’s plenary session at the senate was trailed by intrigues and drama as the confirmation of Rotimi Ameachi as a minister of the federal Republic of Nigeria sparked hot debate in the senate.
As speculated by analysts, Amaechi’s confirmation as minister, unlike others had been predicted wouldn’t be an easy ride.
Amaechi’s confirmation became controversial as hot argument ensued between PDP senators and APC senators during the confirmation exercise.
PDP senators led by the minority leader, Godswill Akpabio of the Peoples Democratic Party argued that the former governor of Rivers state should not be confirmed until all allegations bothering on corruption leveled against him are cleared.
Senator Abiodun Olujimi of the same party (Ekiti South) also argued that there is a moral burden on the house which makes it imperative for it to ensure things are done rightly.
Olujimi added that the senate should allow the court to absolve Amaechi from any corrupt allegation before he can be confirmed.
In the same vein, Senator Sam Anyanwu making reference to the report of the Committee on Ethics maintained that the Senate has no right to recommend confirmation for the former rivers state governor.
Senator Omoworare said the Committee on Ethics and Privileges is the most important Committee of the House, contrary to the positions of the APC senators.
Drawing inference from the Senate Standing Rules, he emphasised that, the Senate cannot decide on the matter since the Petition is in court.
Senator Sekibo commented on the Petition against Amaechi stating that it is an allegation. He said that Nigerians are watching and warned that the Senate shouldn’t encourage corruption.
After minutes of rowdy debate, the PDP senators led by the minority leader decided to stage a walk in order to register their indifference.
A motion was however moved that the report of the house Committee on Ethics and Privileges be rejected.
After the APC senators unanimously agreed to the motion, the senate president ruled out the recommendation of the report of the committee.
Like a camel passing through the eye of needle, Rotimi Amaechi was eventually confirmed as a minister of the Federal Republic.
Others nominees confirmed include Adebayo Shittu, Khadija Abba Ibrahim, Heineken Lokpobiri, Claudius Omoleye, Baba Shehuri Mustapha, Ocholi James, Adewole Isaac Folorunsho, Bawa Bwari, Geoffrey Onyeama, Zainab Ahmed, Dan Ali, Usani Uhuru, Okechukwu Enelamah, Anthony Anwuka Gozie, Mohammed Musa Bello, Adamu Adamu and Aisha Abubakar.
The senate, after three weeks of the screening exercise finally confirmed all 36 ministerial nominees as ministers and adjourned till Tuesday, November 3.
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