Senate on Monday embarked on closed session as a result of rowdy session that greeted the suspension of Delta state ministerial nominee, Festus Keyamo’s screening pending when he recognises that the National Assembly has power to investigate and oversight Minsters and their ministries.
Coming under point of order, Senate Minority whip, Senator Darlington Nwkocha drew the attention of Senate to how the ministerial nominee ignored the National Assembly when he was summoned in the 9th National Assembly .
The lawmaker added that the Nominee, Festus Keyamo in 2020 was mandated to handle N52 Billion Naira Public works programs of the Federal Government under the Buhari Administration
Which was meant to pay N20,000 to 1000 Nigerians across the 774 local Government .
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And when the National Assembly wanted to carry out its constitutional responsibility of proper oversight to the ministry of Labour and productivity, and summoned keyamo ,
the then minister for state, labour accused the Members of the National Assembly
Of trying to hijack the process and referred to them as “corrupt “
Senator Darlington said to make matter worse, when the Nominee was asked on the indices he used to arrive at the names used to distribute the funds , his response was “they are not from the moon”
Adding that, it was arrogant for Keyamo to respond in such manner
The lawmaker moved for a motion to suspend the screening process of the Delta Nominee Festus keyamo until he clears all allegations against him
The motion was seconded by Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, citing section 88 of the constitution, adding that the nominee rejected the summons of both chambers of the National assembly, and his screening should be stepped down pending when he recognizes that the National Assembly has the right to enquire into the workings of the minister and his ministry
However, when the question was put forward the Senate was thrown into rowdy session as there was disagreement between the ruling party and members of opposition parties in the chamber.
The Senate President , Godswill Akpabio through a motion by Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele resolved for a closed door session.
Editor Paul Akhagbemhe
