President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Ude, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and the incumbent Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Enugu State, as a Minister of the Federal Republic. The nomination is to fill the vacant ministerial slot for Enugu State following the resignation of Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology.
The President’s request for Senate confirmation was conveyed in a letter read on the floor of the National Assembly by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary session. In the letter, President Tinubu urged the lawmakers to give Dr. Ude’s nomination expeditious consideration in line with the constitutional provisions guiding ministerial appointments.
Shortly after reading the President’s communication, Senate President Akpabio referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole for further deliberation and screening. The prompt referral suggests that the upper chamber may fast-track the confirmation process in order to restore full representation for Enugu State in the Federal Executive Council.
The nomination marks another strategic appointment by the Tinubu administration, aimed at reinforcing political inclusiveness, professional competence, and regional balance within the federal cabinet. With Ude’s nomination, the South-East region, particularly Enugu State, is set to regain its ministerial representation which had been vacant since August when Uche Nnaji stepped down amid a cloud of controversy.
Nnaji, who served as Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, resigned following allegations surrounding discrepancies in his academic records. Reports had emerged questioning the authenticity of his degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, as well as inconsistencies in his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate. The scandal sparked widespread public criticism and raised questions about the vetting process for ministerial nominees. Facing mounting pressure, Nnaji tendered his resignation letter to the President, thanking him for the opportunity to serve and pledging continued support for his administration.
The departure of Nnaji created a vacuum that left Enugu State without a representative in the federal cabinet for several weeks. The appointment of Dr. Ude, therefore, signals the President’s intent to ensure that all states remain adequately represented in his administration, as required by the federal character principle enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Ude’s selection has been widely welcomed across legal and political circles. A respected legal luminary, reform advocate, and scholar, Ude was recently conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the highest professional recognition for excellence in the Nigerian legal profession. As the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Enugu State, he has been instrumental in driving judicial reforms, improving access to justice, and enhancing the rule of law in the state.
Under his leadership, the Enugu State Ministry of Justice introduced several innovative reforms, including the digitalization of court processes, the establishment of legal aid programs for indigent citizens, and policy frameworks aimed at strengthening transparency and efficiency within the justice system. His work has earned him respect within the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and among civil society organizations advocating for legal and institutional reforms.
A graduate of law from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Dr. Ude obtained his master’s and doctoral degrees in law from the University of Lagos, specializing in constitutional and public law. He has also served as a legal consultant to various government and international organizations, providing expertise on justice sector reforms, anti-corruption frameworks, and human rights compliance.
Political observers believe Ude’s nomination reflects President Tinubu’s broader effort to inject fresh expertise and credibility into his cabinet. Coming from a strong legal background, Ude is expected to bring intellectual rigor, policy insight, and professional discipline to whichever portfolio he is eventually assigned. His reputation for integrity and non-partisanship has also fueled optimism that his inclusion could strengthen the image of the federal cabinet, particularly in the aftermath of the controversies that led to Nnaji’s exit.
Beyond his legal career, Ude is known for his commitment to social development and youth empowerment. He has been involved in several community-based initiatives in Enugu State, focusing on education, mentorship, and legal awareness. Colleagues describe him as a pragmatic reformer who combines academic depth with administrative experience and a passion for justice.
Reactions to the nomination have begun to pour in from across the political landscape. Members of the Enugu State Executive Council, leaders of the Nigerian Bar Association, and several lawmakers from the South-East region have lauded the President’s choice, describing it as both merit-based and politically astute. Many expressed confidence that Ude’s elevation to the federal level will not only strengthen Enugu’s representation but also enrich national policymaking with a strong voice for justice and good governance.
In Enugu, the news of his nomination has been met with excitement among government officials and civil society actors who see it as a recognition of the state’s growing reputation for producing competent and credible professionals. Some analysts also interpret the move as part of President Tinubu’s strategy to consolidate political goodwill in the South-East by appointing technocrats with established records of service and integrity.
If confirmed by the Senate, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Ude will join the Federal Executive Council at a critical time when the Tinubu administration is implementing economic reforms and seeking to rebuild public trust in governance. His role, observers say, will be crucial in shaping policy direction in areas such as legal reform, innovation, and institutional strengthening — depending on the portfolio he is eventually assigned.
The nomination also underscores the President’s recognition of professional competence as a key factor in cabinet selection. Ude’s blend of legal expertise, public service experience, and ethical standing positions him as a potential asset in Tinubu’s drive to deliver on his “Renewed Hope” agenda.
Meanwhile, Senate committees are expected to begin the screening process within days. Sources at the National Assembly hinted that the confirmation might proceed smoothly given Ude’s non-controversial profile and the bipartisan support his nomination appears to have garnered. The process could be completed before the next legislative recess, paving the way for his swearing-in by President Tinubu.
As Nigeria continues to navigate complex governance and economic challenges, the appointment of a respected legal professional like Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Ude is seen as a step toward strengthening institutional integrity and policy coherence within the federal government. For Enugu State, his elevation represents both a restoration of voice at the federal table and a reaffirmation of the President’s commitment to inclusive governance.
If the Senate confirms his appointment, Dr. Ude will officially replace Uche Nnaji, thus closing a turbulent chapter and ushering in what many hope will be a period of renewed credibility and competence in the representation of Enugu State at the federal level.
