A distinguished legal mind and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Kingsley Ude, has added a new feather to his cap following his confirmation by the Senate as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Ude, a native of Enugu State, brings with him a wealth of experience in law, governance, and public administration, having previously served as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Enugu State.
Known for his incisive intellect and deep commitment to justice reform, he has earned respect across the legal and political landscape.
The confirmation followed a rigorous screening session on the Senate floor on Thursday, where lawmakers engaged the 47-year-old legal scholar on a range of national and international issues.
During the exercise, Senator Abdul Ningi stirred a lively moment in the chamber by asking the nominee to share his views on the ongoing “Trump threat,” prompting a brief uproar among senators who felt Ude had already exhibited sufficient competence for the ministerial role.
In a measured response, Dr. Ude noted that President Bola Tinubu was handling the issue diplomatically, emphasizing that it was “more a matter of diplomacy than law.”
Further in the session, Senator Adamu Aliero sought Ude’s opinion on whether the offices of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice should be separated. The nominee replied thoughtfully, stating:
“Whether separated or fused, the successful operation of that office depends on the individual — on whether he allows himself to be politically influenced or not.”
Apparently satisfied with his composure and depth of response, the Senate unanimously asked Dr. Ude to “take a bow and go,” signaling their approval.
His confirmation comes just weeks after the resignation of Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who stepped down from President Tinubu’s cabinet amid a certificate scandal.
With his confirmation, expectations are high that Dr. Kingsley Ude, SAN, will bring his legal acumen, integrity, and reformist zeal to bear in strengthening Nigeria’s governance and justice systems.
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