‘He’s loyal, his brother is an ex-senator, no question, take a bow’, Senate tells ministerial nominee

Nigerian Senate on Thursday refused to question a ministerial nominee, but instead, asked him ‘to take a bow and go’ because he ‘is loyal’ and has a brother who ‘is a former senator’.

The ministerial nominee was Abubakar Aliyu from Yobe State, where Senate President Ahmed Lawan also hails from.

Aliyu, who was the immediate past deputy governor of Yobe, had appeared before the Senate, when it was his turn to be screened, but was asked to “take a bow and go”, a privilege, which was only accorded to former federal lawmakers.

Apparently aware that Aliyu has no legislative background, Kabiru Gaya, senator representing Kano North, had moved a motion demanding he should not be questioned.

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Seconding the motion, James Manager, who represents Delta South said, “Aliyu’s brother is a former senator.”

In his remarks, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, who lauded Aliyu, said he was proud of him, describing him as being “loyal and competent.”

Lawan said, “(He is) loyal, committed and competent. He has been doing well and he followed the footsteps of the former governor. We are proud of our nominee.”

Clearly happy with the surprise privilege, Aliyu took a bow and exited the chamber.

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