Ndume clarifies Senate’s role in ministerial appointments amid Nnaji’s resignation

The senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has clarified that the Nigerian Senate is not responsible for screening presidential nominees before their confirmation.

Ndume made this known on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, while addressing public concerns following the resignation of Uche Nnaji, former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology.

Nnaji resigned earlier this week after allegations of certificate forgery surfaced. In his resignation statement, the former minister described the allegations as a “sustained campaign of falsehood,” insisting that his decision to quit was not an admission of guilt but a mark of respect for due process and ongoing legal proceedings.

Responding to questions on the controversy, Ndume stressed that the Senate’s duty is limited to confirming nominees after security agencies — particularly the Department of State Services (DSS) — have completed their background checks.

“We are not screening — get this clear,” Ndume said. “Screening and confirmation are two different things. Before the president sends a candidate to the Senate, several processes are involved, including checks by the DSS. The DSS has to clear the person first.”

The lawmaker noted that issues of certificate forgery are widespread in Nigeria and not limited to the political class.

“This issue of forgery is a big problem in Nigeria,” he said. “It’s not just among politicians. Everyone has classmates, including Nnaji.”

Ndume also recalled that the Senate had previously rejected a nominee after the DSS raised a red flag during background investigations.

“Last time, the DSS brought a report against someone and we rejected the person,” he said. “So don’t say we are not doing our job. We don’t do screening — we only confirm.”