The Nigerian Senate found itself in a tumultuous and chaotic session as a motion was introduced to suspend the screening process of Festus Keyamo, a ministerial nominee. Darlington Nwokocha, representing Abia central, raised the motion under the framework of Section 88 of the Constitution, calling for the postponement of Keyamo’s screening.
Nwokocha’s motion was rooted in Keyamo’s previous refusal to respond to an invitation from the National Assembly in 2020 when he served as a minister. The call to step down the screening was seconded by Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing APGA, Abia South.
Keyamo’s rejection of the summons from both the House of Representatives and the Senate during his tenure as minister was highlighted, with concerns about the nominee’s disregard for the legislative body’s constitutional authority to summon ministers for explanations on public matters.
The Senate chamber quickly transformed into a scene of conflicting emotions, with some members vocally supporting the motion while others opposed it. The voting process prompted heated exchanges and protests among the senators, leading to a heightened state of commotion within the legislative session.
In an attempt to restore order, Senate President Godswill Akpabio invoked Order 62 of the Senate rules, urging the senators to calm down. Amidst the tension, Akpabio emphasized that the nomination of Festus Keyamo had undergone careful consideration, suggesting that multiple factors were taken into account before his nomination.
As the unrest continued, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele proposed a motion to move the session into a closed-door meeting. This motion was seconded by Minority Leader Simon Mwadkwom. The Senate President subsequently ordered the assembly into a closed session, directing Festus Keyamo to temporarily exit the chamber.
The Senate’s raucous session underscores the significance of the scrutiny placed on ministerial nominees and the complex dynamics that come into play during the screening process. The closed-door session will likely provide an opportunity for senators to deliberate on the motion and its implications before proceeding with further actions related to Festus Keyamo’s nomination.
