Ministerial screening: Why Wike was asked to ‘bow and go’ without interrogations – Akpabio

Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber, the Senate, has revealed why it didn’t grill former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike during his appearance before it for the ministerial screening on Monday.

Wike was asked to take a “bow and go” after reading his brief profile and following an appeal by Senator Barinada Mpigi (PDP, Rivers).

Speaking on the incident, Senate President Godswill Akpabio explained why the Senate did not grill the immediate past Rivers Governor

Akpabio said Wike was not thoroughly grilled because the Senate had his records, having formerly served as a minister.

He said Wike had appeared before the Senate for screening when he was nominated as a minister by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

“Having been nominated again for a ministerial position, there is no point asking him much questions,” Akpabio said.

The Senate President Godswill Akpabio, attested to Wike’s competence and capacity to deliver in office and subsequently asked him to take a bow

Recall that Wike had served as Minister of State for Education under Jonathan.

Speaking during his screening, Wike, assured the Senate that President Bola Tinubu won’t regret nominating him to serve as a minister in his cabinet, as he will be a performing minister.

He told the senators that during his time as governor of Rivers State (May 2015 to May 2023), he started and completed many projects and he invited politicians across party lines to commission them.

His words: “These things can be achieved if you are committed; if you have passion for the job.

“There are so many people who want to be ministers for the sake that ‘I was a governor’; for the sake that ‘I was a minister’.

“But there are those who say, ‘Look, what do I have to offer? Am I committed to this job?’

“I thank Mr. President for nominating me. I believe, knowing how hungry Mr President is to solving the problems of Nigeria, we have no choice but to give him that required support.

“And I can assure you, if I am confirmed in whatever capacity, Mr President will not regret nominating me.”