The Nigerian Senate has officially confirmed the appointment of Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Ude, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Enugu State, as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His confirmation followed a detailed screening session on the Senate floor on Thursday.
Dr. Ude, born in 1978, previously served as Enugu State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, where he was widely respected for his stance on legal reforms and transparency in governance.
During the Senate screening, lawmakers engaged him on key national and diplomatic matters — including Nigeria’s official response to recent remarks made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which many viewed as undiplomatic.
Responding to questions, Dr. Ude noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was handling the issue through appropriate diplomatic channels, describing the situation as “a matter of diplomacy rather than law.”
He also commented on the ongoing debate about separating the offices of the Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice, arguing that the effectiveness of either structure depends on the integrity, professionalism, and independence of whoever occupies the position.
Satisfied with his performance and responses, the Senate asked him to “take a bow” — a long-standing tradition of approval — and subsequently confirmed his appointment.
Dr. Ude’s confirmation comes shortly after the resignation of Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, who stepped down following allegations of a certificate scandal that stirred public controversy.
Political analysts say Ude’s appointment may help restore confidence in the Ministry and signal President Tinubu’s intent to reinforce legal professionalism in his cabinet.
