A Bizarre Moment in the Nigerian Senate: Akpabio Cautions Lawmaker for Commenting on Nominee’s Beauty
In a surprising turn of events, the President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, cautioned a fellow lawmaker for making a seemingly innocuous comment about a nominee’s physical appearance. The incident occurred during the screening of newly appointed ministers on the floor of the upper legislative chamber on Wednesday.
Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West District, began his introduction of Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu by praising her beauty, saying, “Mr. President, the beautiful nominee standing before us…” However, he was quickly rebuked by Akpabio, who interjected, “Restrict yourself to the resume. Forget this word beautiful. She didn’t put in the CV that she is beautiful.”
A ripple of laughter spread among the lawmakers, and Ngwu then redirected his attention to lauding Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s profile and competence. Despite the brief moment of levity, the screening process continued without further interruptions.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who is being considered for the post of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, read her credentials before the Senate and responded to questions from the lawmakers. Her competence and ability to perform were not questioned by the Senators, with Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, praising President Bola Tinubu for nominating Odumegwu-Ojukwu, stating, “By bringing an APGA person to be a minister has already started a unity government and national integration.”
The Senate ultimately concluded its screening process, and Odumegwu-Ojukwu was asked to take a bow, a common practice in the Nigerian Senate.
In an interesting footnote, Abaribe also referred to Odumegwu-Ojukwu as the “mother” of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), a Nigerian political party. This remark highlights the significance of her nomination and the potential for unity government and national integration under President Tinubu’s administration.
