Motion to suspend Keyamo’s ministerial screening sparks uproar in Senate
A motion to suspend the ministerial screening of Festus Keyamo, a ministerial nominee from Delta State, has caused a major uproar in the Senate, resulting in a rowdy session.
The motion was put forward by Senator Darlington Nwokocha, representing Abia Central Senatorial District, and was seconded by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe from Abia-South Senatorial District.
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When put to a voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the members of the Senate were sharply divided on the matter, leading to a chaotic scene in the red chamber. Amidst the heated arguments, Akpabio decided to resolve the situation by calling for a closed session.
Nwokocha accused Keyamo of showing disrespect towards the 9th National Assembly and making allegations of corruption against the previous Assembly.
Keyamo, who previously served as the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity under the ex-President Muhammadu Buhari administration, was specifically questioned by Nwokocha regarding his involvement in the Special Public Works program.
During the program, which was overseen by the Ministry Keyamo supervised, the Federal Government allocated N52 billion to recruit 1,000 youths from each of the 774 local governments for a three-month period and pay them N20,000 each. However, there were complaints from constituents who claimed they did not benefit from the program.
As a result, the Senate Public Account Committee initiated an investigation into the matter, but Keyamo declined the committee’s invitation, which Nwokocha highlighted as a point of contention.
The unfolding events in the Senate surrounding the suspension of Keyamo’s ministerial screening indicate a deep division and intense debate among the lawmakers.
Further updates on the situation will be provided shortly.