November 06, (THEWILL) — The Senate on Thursday confirmed Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Ude, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Enugu State, as a Minister of the Federal Republic.
President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday forwarded Ude’s name to the Senate for confirmation.
During his screening, senators questioned the nominee on several national issues, including the ongoing diplomatic tension between Nigeria and the United States.
Ude said President Tinubu was addressing the matter through “appropriate diplomatic channels,” noting that the situation required careful engagement rather than public confrontation.
He said while Nigeria must protect its sovereignty, it should also sustain constructive international partnerships in the interest of national stability.
Ude also spoke on the long-standing debate over separating the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation from that of the Minister of Justice.
He argued that the effectiveness of either arrangement depends largely on the integrity and professionalism of the individual occupying the office.
“Whether the roles are merged or separated, what matters is that the officeholder acts in good faith, upholds the rule of law and protects the interests of the Nigerian people,” he said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the nominee for what he described as his clarity and calmness during the screening.
The Senate then approved Ude’s nomination through a unanimous voice vote.
Ude’s appointment follows the resignation of Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who stepped down last month.
Born in 1978, Ude previously served as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Enugu State.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
