The fate of three ministerial nominees currently awaiting confirmation by the Nigerian Senate remains uncertain as Senate Spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu hinted at the possibility of a second screening. Adaramodu, who represents Ekiti South Senatorial District, disclosed this during a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.

In response to inquiries about the status of the pending confirmations, Adaramodu stated, “The question raised about them is an ongoing issue. So, once the Senate is satisfied, definitely, if we need to invite them to the chamber for the re-confirmation and re-screening, then we’ll do that.”

The three ministerial nominees yet to receive Senate confirmation are Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Abubakar Danladi from Taraba State, and ex-Nexim Bank Managing Director Stella Okotete from Delta State.

The Senate recently approved and confirmed the nominations of 45 other appointees proposed by President Bola Tinubu after a voice vote. However, the confirmations of El-Rufai and the other two nominees were deferred pending “security clearance.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio clarified the situation, saying, “Just to mention that for the avoidance of doubt, the Senate has so far approved and confirmed the nomination of 45 ministers out of the total 48 ministerial nominees sent to us by the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The others are still awaiting security clearance.”

Adaramodu shed light on the complex issue, stating, “If security is not satisfied, the Senate cannot be satisfied. It depends on what security agencies and the person that nominates them say.”

As the Senate navigates this delicate matter, Nigerians are left waiting to learn whether the three pending nominees will undergo a second round of scrutiny in the quest for ministerial roles within the government. The issue highlights the interplay between national security concerns and the confirmation process for key government positions.