The Senate on Tuesday confirmed 11 of the 12 ministerial nominees sent by President Goodluck Jonathan after screening.
However, one nominee, Jamila Salik (Kano) is yet to be confirmed as she did not show up for screening. She is to be screened at a later date.
Interestingly, despite opposition from the three Senators representing Osun State, Senate confirmed Abduljelili Adesiyan, as a minister.
The three senators from Osun state who opposed the nomination of Adesiyan were Olusola Adeyeye, Babajide Omowulare, Mudashiru Usein.
They were of the view that his nomination if confirmed, would not serve the best interest of Nigeria.
Those confirmed are ex-National Security Adviser, General Aliu Mohammed Gusau (Zamfara State), former Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana, Musiliu Obanikoro (Lagos), Mohammed Wakil (Borno), Abduljelili Oyewale Adesiyan (Osun), Aminu Wali (Kano) and Mrs. Akon Etim Eyakenyi (Akwa Ibom).
Others are Laurencia Labaran Mallam (Kaduna), Dr. Tamuno W. Danagogo (Rivers), Asabe Asmau Ahmed (Niger), Boni Haruna (Adamawa) and Dr. Khaliru Alhassan (Sokoto).
Leading the opposition to Adesiyan’s confirmation, Adeyeye, came under Order 14 of the Senate standing rule, which deals on the rights and privileges of the senators.
He said, “This is to inform this house as one representing Osun state…to alert you to the objection of all three senators from Osun state to the nomination of Mr. Adesiyan.
“All three of us have not endorsed the nomination of Mr. President. This opposition is not being brought frivolously. Not on ground of partisanship. We do not believe that the President of the country would be best served by the appointment of Mr. Adesiyan. Bola Ige did not kill himself”. He said.
But, Senate President David Mark did not buy the sentiments, ruling that “We must put all this things behind us. This House is not a law court; we all heard the voice vote here. I don’t see where your privilege has been breached”.
Mark therefore charged those confirmed as ministers to add value wherever they may be posted to by the President.
