There was a mild tension at the Nigerian Senate on Monday, as lawmakers disagreed over the screening of Festus Keyamo as a ministerial nominee.
Festus Keyamo, who previously served as the Minister of State for Labour and Employment under President Muhammadu Buhari, faced opposition from some lawmakers due to his alleged refusal to attend invitations from various committees in the 9th Senate and 9th House of Representatives.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe raised the issue, urging Senate President Godswill Akpabio to suspend Keyamo’s screening until he acknowledges the Senate’s authority to summon and question any Minister and their respective Ministry.
The Senate then conducted a voice vote to decide on the next course of action, but the outcome failed to reach a clear consensus, resulting in a rowdy session.
After the heated commotion settled, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele proposed an extension of the Senate sitting time and a transition into a closed-door session to address the matter further.
