Nasarawa House of Assembly has suspended the screening of Mr Yakubu Kwanta, a commissioner nominee and former Commissioner for Environment for failure to appear before a committee to defend the ministry’s 2024 budget performance.
Mr Danladi Jatau, Speaker of the Assembly, announced the suspension of Kwanta’s screening on Monday in Lafia.
It came following a motion by Mr Muhammed Omafefu (APC-Keana), the Chairman House Committee on Environment, during the Commissioner-nominees’ screening exercise.
Omadefu said that the Assembly would not allow any government official to undermine its powers as the legislative arm saddled with the responsibility of making laws.
“Mr Kwanta should send a strong apology letter to the House over his action when he was a commissioner, otherwise we will consider him unfit for the screening,” he said.
Other members who supported the motion and called for an apology from the former commissioner include Mr Mohammed Isimbabi, Mr Ajegana Kudu and Mr Hudu Hudu.
They said that the written apology from the nominee would serve as a deterrent to others and save the integrity of the House.
Meanwhile, the House has screened and approved seven of the 16 commissioner- nominees submitted by Gov. Abdullahi Sule on Feb.10.
The Speaker congratulated the nominees and urged them to discharge their duties with the fear of God when they assume office.
The nominees screened include Umar Tanko-Tunga from Awe Local Government Area(LGA), Dr John Mamman from Kokona LGA and Hajiya Munirat Abdullahi from Doma LGA.
Others are Mr Gabriel Agbashi from Doma LGA, Mr Isaac Danladi from Karu LGA, Princess Margret Elayo from Keana LGA and Dr Ibrahim Tanko from Keffi LGA.
As the National Assembly commences the screening of President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial nominees today, have expressed diverse expectations and concerns regarding the screening exercise to determine the suitability and competence of the nominees.
Out of the 28 ministerial nominees, at least 15 have submitted their credentials, including the Women Leader of the All Progressive Congress, Betty Edu; Uju Ohaneye; Tunde Ojo; Abubakar Danladi, Uche Nnaji; and former Nexim Bank, Managing Director, Stella Okotette.
Ahead of the screening exercise, Nigerians have spoken about the need to match the right candidate with the appropriate portfolio, saying it would ensure that individuals with the necessary skills, expertise, and experience are assigned to roles that align with their strengths, which will in turn, maximise competence and performance.
According to Sections 144(5) and 147 of the 1999 Constitution, ministerial appointments must be in conformity with the provisions of Section 14(3) of the Constitution.
The President is mandated to appoint at least one Minister from each state, ensuring that every state has representation in the federal cabinet.
A public affairs analyst Alabi Ayodeji, believes that by not assigning portfolios to the nominees before the screening, President Tinubu missed an opportunity to set a standard.
Ayodeji contends that this practice would have enabled a more robust evaluation and provided a basis for assessing the ministers’ performance at the end of their term.
Similarly, Chukuka Okorie from Ebonyi state reasoned that appointing ministers to portfolios that align with their professional backgrounds, which would lead to progress and effective governance.
“Firstly, the bane of the ministerial performance of the past years has been the lack of knowledge and commitment. If everyone is assigned the portfolio for which he or she is a professional, there will be progress.
“Secondly, antecedents of an individual should be of great importance. That places such a person on a better footing to get it right. We should bury sentiment and put Nigeria first,” Okorie said.
Nigerian journalist and television anchor Reuben Abati, raised concerns about past screening processes, asserting that many ministers who served under President Muhammadu Buhari were relatively unknown individuals who failed to make significant impacts during their tenure.
Abati said “Most of the Ministers who served under him (President Buhari) were great unknowns. They stayed in office for eight years, sleep-walked through office, and on top of that they were decorated with national honours!”
Decrying the seemingly superficial nature of the screening questions, which often bear no relevance to the eventual portfolios assigned to the ministers, he added: “Till date, the screening of ministerial nominees has been a complete charade. Questions that are posed to the persons being screened may have no bearing whatsoever on the portfolio that would be assigned to them eventually.
“The Senate must not clear anybody for clearing sake. It must look out for nation-builders, and change-agents who can add value to the growth and development process. The screening must be thorough and meaningful,” Abati said.
Nigerians believe that the issues facing the country are multifaceted and public trust in government can be bolstered by demonstrating that qualified individuals are appointed to key roles.
Meanwhile, the Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, has reassured Nigerians that the Senate will conduct a thorough scrutiny of the ministerial nominees.
Bamidele explained: “Nigerians are expecting us to do a thorough screening. But take a bow and go is not an unparliamentary convention, it has become a practice all over the world.
“That person must be a former member of the parliament who is well known to us. Somebody we have confidence in his ability to give Nigerians qualitative leadership”.
According to the Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, another set of 13 ministerial nominees is expected to be sent to the Senate for screening and confirmation in the coming days.
The NewsGuru.com (TNG) notes that previous administrations had submitted ministerial lists in multiple batches.
For instance, during Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure in 2011, the ministerial list was submitted in three batches, while President Muhammadu Buhari submitted his list in two batches in 2015.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rescheduled the date for the screening of its aspirants for Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi governorship election from Feb. 13 to March 1.
The party announced the decision in a statement by its National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, in Abuja on Friday.
According to him, that the party National Working Committee (NWC) has scheduled the screening appeals for March 13.
“In the same vein, sales of expression of interest and nomination forms for Kogi State only has been extended till Monday Feb. 13,” he said.
He said that the slight adjustment in date was necessitated by the on-going electioneering campaigns for the 2023 general elections.
Bature added that all other dates for other activities related to the primary elections in the respective states remained unchanged.
“All our governorships aspirants, state chapters, critical stakeholders in the respective states and the general public should please note the change of dates as stated above,” he said.
Frontline presidential aspirant Asiwaju Bola Tinubu last night appeared before the John Odigie-Oyegun-led All Progressives Congress (APC) screening panel, explaining why he is qualified to fly the flag of the party as its presidential candidate.
He answered questions bordering “on his upbringing, educational and professional background”, his campaign spokesman Mr. Bayo Onanuga said.
Onanuga, in a statement, said: “He confidently told the panel why he is qualified to fly the flag of APC as its presidential candidate.
“He cited his success as governor of Lagos State, his raising the internal revenue generation of the state from a paltry N600 million monthly, which has now grown to N51billion today.
“He also cited his invitation to Enron to begin the first state-backed power generation in Nigeria and how Nigeria will need to take the power transmission lines as a highway.
“Tinubu in his answers demonstrated vast knowledge in economic management and a perfect understanding of Nigeria’s political economy.
“The screening committee expressed satisfaction with Tinubu’s knowledge of the economy and sociopolitical issues that are affecting the country.”
Bola Tinubu with the Odigie-Oyegun panel
Eleven other aspirants, including former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Ameachi, Jigawa State Governor Abubakar Badaru, Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi, Dr. Tunde Bakare and the only female aspirant Uju Ken-Ohanenye also faced the panel.
The rest are Former Minister of State, Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajuiba; Senator Ajayi Boroffice, Felix Nicholas, former Senate President Ken Nnamani, Senator Ibikunle Amosu and Senator Sani Yarima Ahmed.
Twenty-eight forms were sold, but only 23 aspirants are listed for screening. Eleven, including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Senate President Ahamad Lawan, will be screened today.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan being touted as a likely candidate on the APC platform is finally out of the equation. He is not listed to be screened. The party’s convention will hold on Monday at the Eagles Square in Abuja.
Before the commencement of the screening at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, members of the screening panel were inaugurated by party chair Abdullahi Adamu behind closed doors.
Tinubu was accompanied to the venue by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
He arrived at about 5:50 pm to a large crowd of supporters led by James Abiodun Faleke, former Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal and chieftains of Tinubu Support Groups.
Amaechi, who came on the heels of Tinubu, headed straight for the elevator brushing aside all reporters at the hotel lobby.
A source in the screening panel said Tinubu was ushered into Suite 312 venue at about 8:20 pm. He left after less than an hour with the panel.
Amaechi was the last to be screened last night.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Tinubu did not speak with reporters as he headed straight for his vehicle after the screening.
However, Mrs Ken-Ohanenye spoke to reporters after her screening and the General Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, Lagos, Pastor Tunde Bakare, spoke before he faced the panel.
Aspirants for today’s screening
For screening today are Vice President Osinbajo, Lawan, former Speaker Oladimeji Bankole, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, former Minister of Niger Delta Development, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, Tein Jack-Rich, former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ogbonnaya Onu, Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade and former Minister of Information, Ikeobasi Mokelu.
Though slated for screening today, the fate of Senator Rochas Okorocha, who is in Economic and Financial Crimes Commission custody, is unknown.
The former governor will have a date in court today over allegations of misappropriating N2.9 billion. He has also filed a N1billion suit against the commission to challenge his arrest.
Missing on the screening list of aspirants that purchased the nomination forms apart from Jonathan are the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwunmi Adesina; Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria Godwin Emifiele; Minister of Labour and Employment Chris Ngige and Minister of State, Petroleum, Timipre Sylva.
Meanwhile, Mrs Ken-Ohanenye said she was prepared to step down if the party asked her to do so.
She would insist on the adoption of her economic blueprints.
She said: “I will never see it (stepping down) as a problem to my party because I am going to respect them.
“I am going to do whatever it takes to promote my party and make them relax so that they can make a better decision.
“So, if they decide to ask me to step down, I will not have a choice but to step down. So long as they can carry my blueprints onboard I will respect my party.”
On her screening experience, Ken-Ohanenye commended the panel, recalling that she was relaxed in responding to questions and the conversation with the panel was very frank and straight.
“Let me tell you, there was so much fun. The reception was out of this world. I didn’t want to leave. I was chatting with them explaining myself and what I will do if I am elected the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“And why a woman is needed in things that we do. And I was able to tell them that in my own house I have four children and for that, I have four geopolitical zones. Because every child is different. I am already used to managing things like this.”
According to Bakare, he would be willing to step down if the party mulls a consensus candidate.
He said: “The party supremacy is the utmost essence. You cannot force your way through a party’s structure. The party has the final say. And when we get to that bridge, we will know how to cross it.
“The screening exercise is to check who is guilty and who is not. And it depends on the people who are doing the screening. By God’s grace, we have complied with everything demanded. We have supplied every information.”
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has unfolded plans to screen former President Goodluck Jonathan, Minister of Labour and Employment Dr. Chris Ngige, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele and African Development Bank (AfDB) President Akinwunmi Adesina.
Although the nomination forms were obtained for the four, they never submitted the forms to the party before the close of submission.
Frontline presidential aspirant, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmed Lawan and other 21 contenders will also appear before the Presidential Screening Committee.
The venue of the exercise is the Conference Hall, Transcorp, Abuja.
The seven-man panel set up by the National Working Committee (NWC) is made up of a member from each of the six geo-political zones.
The major work of the committee is to scrutinise the nomination documents of the 24 contenders ahead of the primary slated for Saturday.
Other aspirants expected at the exercise are former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Niger Delta Development Senator Godswill Akpabio, former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha and former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosu.
Others are Pastor Tunde Bakare, Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade, his Ebonyi State counterpart, Governor Dave Umahi, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, Minister of State for Education Emeka Nwajiuba, former Senate President Ken Nnamani, Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, Jigawa State Governor Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and former Zamfara State Governor Ahmed Yerima.
Others are Senator Ajayi Borroffice, the only female aspirant, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, Pastor Nicholas Felix Nwagbo, former House of Representatives Speaker Dimeji Bankole, former Minister of Information Chief Ikeobasi Mokelu and Mr Tein Jack Rich.
APC National Organising Secretary Sulaiman Arugungu confirmed that the exercise had been shifted.
He said: “As far as the party is concerned all the 28 aspirants that paid and picked the forms for the nomination as Presidential aspirants, nobody has formally written to us that he has withdrawn his aspiration.
“All the forms of the 28 aspirants will be taken to the screening committee, not tomorrow, but on Tuesday, God’s willing, at Transcop Hilton Hotel.”
Arugungu said the panel will be constituted today.
“But, we have to consult with our leaders before we make it public. By tomorrow we will know who are the panellists,” Arugungu assured.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed May 23 for the screening of its presidential aspirants for the 2023 general elections.
Alhaji Suleiman Arugugun, National Organising Secretary, APC this on Saturday in Abuja when he fielded reporters’ questions shortly after the inauguration of chairmen and secretaries of the party’s screening committees for House of Representatives, Senate and governorship aspirants.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that APC special convention for the presidential primaries would hold from May 30 to June 1.
“The screening for the presidential aspirants, we have so far 28 presidential aspirants and as you are all aware, some aspirants have started withdrawing their aspirations.
“And by God’s grace on May 23, those that are left for the screening proper, will be screened,” Arugugun said.
The committees’ chairmen and secretaries were inaugurated by Sen. Abubakar Kyari, APC Deputy National Chairnan, North on behalf of the National Chairman, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kyari, said that a total of 145 governorship aspirants would be screened by three panels while 351 senate aspirants would be screened by four panels for the party’s 2023 ticket.
He said that a total of 1,197 House of Representatives aspirants would also be screened by 10 panels.
“We have a very strong party, we have a big party, and we are committed to deliver the right candidates for the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
“We have no doubt that the distinguished ladies and gentleman assembled here will do just that.
“I wouldn’t want to go into details because we all know ourselves, and we have tried to engage you in a manner that you will also bring your experience to the fore,” he said.
While acknowledging that there was a long huddle ahead of the committees, Kyari appealed to the members to be patient and to ensure proper screening of aspirants to ensure that the best candidates emerged at the end.
He added that the party had been very fortunate because it had produced the best aspirants ahead of 2023 general elections.
“And also almost two thirds of the House of Representatives,” he said.
He welcomed members of the committees, saying that they had freehand to do what was required of them and would always be supported by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) when necessary.
The APC had fixed its governorship primaries for May 20, House of Assembly, May 22, House of Representatives May 24, and Senate May 25.
The list of presidential aspirants that submitted their nomination forms includes: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a former two-term Lagos State Governor and APC national leader.
Others were former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Niger Delta Development, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, and former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu.
Former Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo and former Gov. Ibikunle Amosu of Osun, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River and Gov. Dave Umahi of Ebonyi also submitted their forms.
Chairman, Nigeria Governor Forum (NGF) and Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, Minister of State, Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, former President of the Senate, Sen. Ken Nnamani and Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi also submitted their forms.
Gov. Mohammed Abubakar of Jigawa and former Zamfara Governor, Sen. Ahmed Yerima also submitted their forms.
Also on the list of presidential aspirants that returned their forms are the only female aspirant, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohnenye, Pastor Nicholas Nwagbo, former Speaker of House Representative Dimeji Bankole, and President of the Senate, Dr Ahmed Lawal.
African Development Bank (AFDB) Managing Director, Akinwumi Adesina, former Minister of State, Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, former Minister of Information, Chief Ikeobasi Mokelu and Mr Tein Jack Rich also submitted their forms among others.
The party had meanwhile began the screening of the House of Representatives and governorship aspirants at designated hotels in Abuja.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday began the screening of its 17 aspirants for the 2023 presidential election.
The screening, under the Chairmanship of former President of the Senate, David Mark, is being held at the Legacy House, PDP presidential campaign office, Abuja.
The 17 aspirants include former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar; and former Speaker, House of Representatives and Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State.
Former Presidents of the Senate, Bukola Saraki and Anyim Pius Anyim; and governors of Bauchi, Bala Mohammed; Rivers, Nyesom Wike; Akwa Ibom, Udom Emmanuel; and former Anambra Governor, Peter Obi, are also in the pack.
They also include former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose; a US-based medical doctor, Nwachukwu Anakwenze; media mogul, Dele Momodu; and an investment banker and Economist, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
A Pharmacist, Mr Sam Ohuabunwa, former Speakers of Abia House of Assembly, Cosmos Ndukwe and Chikwendu Kalu; an Estate Developer, Mr Charles Ugwu; as well as the only female aspirant in the race, Tareila Diana; were also among those being screened.
Aspirants that had concluded their screening as of the time of this report include Wike, Anyim, Atiku, Saraki, Udom, Anakwenze, Fayose and Kalu.
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has extended sales of Nomination and Expression of Interest forms for 2023 general elections by a week.
The PDP said this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba in Abuja on Wednesday.
Ologunagba said that the deadline has been shifted from Friday, April 1 to April 8.
“In the same vein, the last day for the return of already completed forms as well as the screening for both the State House of Assembly and National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) has been rescheduled as follows:
“Last date for submission of already completed forms for States House of Assembly: -Sunday, April 10 by 6 p.m.
“National Assembly: -Sunday, April 10 by 6 p.m,” he said.
Ologunagba said that the party has also rescheduled screening for aspirants for States of House of Assembly to April 12 while screening for National Assembly aspirants will hold on April 14.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the last day for the purchase of all forms is now fixed for Friday, April 8,” he said.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) will begin screening of aspirants for various elective offices on Tuesday, March 22, ahead of Saturday’s National Convention.
Mr Emmanuel Otagburuagu, the Secretary of the APC National Convention Screening Committee said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
He said the aspirants would be screened in two batches at the Katsina State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.
“The National Convention Screening Sub-Committee has invited aspirants for the excercise.
“Gov. Aminu Masari, Chairman, Dimeji Bankole, Co-Chairman of the APC 2022 National Convention Screening Committee, hereby invite all the aspirants to the screening exercise.
“The schedule for the screening is as follows:
“1. Tuesday, March 22, 2022: Screening of National Chairman and other National Working Committee (NWC) aspirants, while time will be communicated to aspirants later.
“Venue: Katsina State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.
“2. Wednesday, March, 23, 2022: Screening of aspirants into the Zonal offices.
“Time: 10a.m
“Venue: Katsina State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.
“The new national executives are expected to be elected at the APC National Convention on Saturday, March 26 to manage its affairs, which is presently being managed by the Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC).”
