Ogbeh, Ibeto, Sirika, Alhassan, Udoma may ‘bow and go’
Ex-Rivers governor writes Senate on enquiry

Will the Senate change its parliamentary tradition or ask ex-lawmakers who are ministerial nominees to take a bow?
That was the question at the weekend ahead of tomorrow’s screening of the nominees.

Senate President Bukola Saraki is under pressure to stick to the tradition, it was learnt.
But some senators from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are pushing for “an open and equal screening”.
It was gathered that the leadership of the Senate may take a decision before the screening opens.
Saraki is likely to present the issue before the Executive Session prior to the screening.

Eight of the 21 nominees are former lawmakers.
They are: Sen. Udoma Udo-Udoma; Sen. Aisha Alhassan; Sen. Chris Ngige; Sen. Hadi Sirika; Rt. Hon Rotimi Amaechi (a former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly); Mr. Audu Ogbeh (a former Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly); Hon. Ahmed Musa Ibeto (a former member of the House of Representatives); and Adebayo Shittu (a former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly).

It was learnt that many senators supported “parliamentary tradition” for the automatic clearance of the eight former lawmakers.

Also yesterday, the Senate re-echoed the statement by its Adhoc Media Committee Chairman Dino Melaye on the need for two senators to endorse a nominee from their state.
This followed the apprehension that some of the ministerial nominees will not be able to scale the screening hurdle, following their apparent likelihood of not getting the endorsement of two senators from their states.

On its Twitter handle @NGRSenate yesterday, it said: “The tradition of two senators having to endorse a ministerial nominee is not sacrosanct and can be waived, if a nominee passes other criteria.”

A principal officer said: “The Senate President is under pressure to break the tie and provide direction for senators who are divided on some nominees, especially the former lawmakers.

“Saraki’s personal relationship with some of these former lawmakers has made the pressure on the Senate more challenging.
“But the main issue is whether or not to give parliamentary waiver to ex-lawmakers who have been nominated as ministers.
“Some senators are insisting on the adoption of the parliamentary tradition to screen and clear the eight ex-lawmakers. Normally by our tradition, the eight nominees are expected to take a bow after explaining their plans for the nation.

“These senators have warned against the consequences of changing the tradition by the 8th Senate because it could be anybody’s turn tomorrow.
“They said if the Senate played into the hands of some politicians and governors, it might affect the prospect of some lawmakers in the future.”

Responding to a question, the officer added: “These senators are saying that we should grill these ex-lawmakers on their vision for the country but they are making a strong case for automatic clearance.

“Some of them cited the row which the screening and clearance of ex-Minister Musiliu Obanikoro generated and how ex-Senate President David Mark stuck to the parliamentary tradition.”

Another Senator said: “We have received many petitions against some of these nominees, including some of these eight lawmakers. A few Senators are demanding the waiver of the parliamentary tradition to enable the Senate leave the screening open.

“These petitions have been referred to the relevant committee of the Senate for consideration.

“We are looking into these arguments which have put the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, under pressure.”

Amaechi is said to have written to the Senate to stay action on any issue emanating from the Commission of Inquiry set up by the government of Rivers State.

He said since a matter was pending in court on the inquiry, it would be subjudice for the Senate to dabble in it.

A source in the Senate said: “Amaechi’s counsel has written the President of the Senate on the need to avoid consideration of a subjudicial matter.

“You know the Senate has a procedure of not treating any matter before a court.”

http://thenationonlineng.net/senate-under-pressure-over-ngige-amaechi-shittu/

Haba

“The tradition of two senators having to endorse a ministerial nominee is not sacrosanct and can be waived, if a nominee passes other criteria.”





Nice one, it shows clearly that Sekibo has no say in Ameachi's case. Ameachi will become a minister. That am sure of. Not even Wike can stop him or Sekibo.

OnankpaBa:
“The tradition of two senators having to endorse a ministerial nominee is not sacrosanct and can be waived, if a nominee passes other criteria.”





Nice one, it shows clearly that Sekibo has no say in Ameachi's case. Ameachi will become a minister. That am sure of. Not even Wike can stop him or Sekibo.

really?

Am glued to my TV till tomorrow. Ameachi for Minister of Niger Delta

DONSMITH123:


really?

yes Sir Don! Ameachi will be made minister.

rules have exception
.
what is happening in Rivers state is known to the world . ... stop Ameachi at all cost!

I really do not like that tradition of taking a bow. ..... but if that's what will make Ameachi go through then so be it.

Ameachi in the news again. Well, till tomorrow.

Hahahahaha

OnankpaBa:


yes Sir Don! Ameachi will be made minister.

isokay.

Noisemakers

DONSMITH123:


isokay.

Saraki and the house has no choice than to confirm him. They wouldn't have been APC today without Ameachi.

8 years as a speaker and 8 years as a governor is more than qualified to be a minister.


Ameachi for Niger Delta and Fashola for FCT

shoooo

SARAKI remember d gamble Amaechi played for u....its pay baq time bro


G7 Team

Wike get set for war...Lion of Ubima is gon fight baq wiv federal powers

Wike get set, Am coming for your with Federal Power.

People please lets move on from discussing whether the lion shall make it through the screening, let's discuss what portfólio the lion would be given. I say minister for the niger delta region. Watch and see how the lion will be more powerful than the 6 niger delta State governors put together, he will be like the niger delta president. It's time for wike and mama piss to reap the whirlwind. What wike, patience and mbu did to amaechi, it's payback time, payback is also called christina! She's a b1tch!

OnankpaBa:
Wike get set, Am coming for your with Federal Power.

MRLINGTON:
SARAKI remember d gamble Amaechi played for u....its pay baq time bro



G7 Team


Wike get set for war...Lion of Ubima is gon fight baq wiv federal powers

Which gamble be that?

OnankpaBa:


Saraki and the house has no choice than to confirm him. They wouldn't have been APC today without Ameachi.

8 years as a speaker and 8 years as a governor is more than qualified to be a minister.


Ameachi for Niger Delta and Fashola for FCT

lolz. Let's just wait till tomorrow and see the out come. In as much as i like Ameachi to be Minister, am also of the Opinion that if He has anything to hide, he should come out opening to defend himself.

MRLINGTON:
SARAKI remember d gamble Amaechi played for u....its pay baq time bro



G7 Team


Wike get set for war...Lion of Ubima is gon fight baq wiv federal powers

bros, which gamble?

DONSMITH123:


lolz. Let's just wait till tomorrow and see the out come. In as much as i like Ameachi to be Minister, am also of the Opinion that if He has anything to hide, he should come out opening to defend himself.

with due respect Sir Don. Is there any Politician whose hands are clean?

Wike himself should tell Nigerian, he has serve in Education before and we knew what he did then.

He himself knew he's corrupt.

OnankpaBa:


with due respect Sir Don. Is there any Politician whose hands are clean?

Wike himself should tell Nigerian, he has serve in Education before and we knew what he did then.

He himself knew he's corrupt.

am not saying Wike is a saint and am not against Ameachi as well, but my point is that, he should try and clear his name.

DONSMITH123:


am not saying Wike is a saint and am not against Ameachi as well, but my point is that, he should try and clear his name.

How many times has he dare PDP and Wike to publish any of his bank account if they have any evidence against him?

Were they able to?

They are just trying to pay him back for forcing PDP and Goodluck out of power.

lalasticlala, Ishilove push this food to FP

OnankpaBa:


How many times has he dare PDP and Wike to publish any of his bank account if they have any evidence against him?

Were they able to?

They are just trying to pay him back for forcing PDP and Goodluck out of power.

Interesting. I see your point bro.

God bless Nigeria.

DONSMITH123:


Interesting. I see your point bro.

With Ameachi and Fashola in BMB's cabinet, my brother, this country will rise again.

Tonyebarcanista for minister

Okk

So much controversy on ministerial screening. it appears some senators want to use the screening to settle scores. in that case It's unhealthy to say the least

That's good