Will Senate screen ex-governor today?

The Nigerian Senate is set to resume plenary today, October 22, 2015, to continue the screening of President Muhammadu Buhari’s ministerial nominees.

The Senate has so far screened 20 out of Buhari’s 36 nominees but the most anticipated interview is that of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi which has been postponed thrice by the legislative chamber.

Amaechi was initially meant to be screened on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 along with nine other nominees.

His appearance was however postponed due to the inability of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to submit its report on a petition against him.

Chairman, Sam Anyanwu explained that the committee members had been ‘too tired’ to meet after plenary on Tuesday, 13.

He however promised that the report would be submitted on October 15, to facilitate Amaechi’s screening on the same day.

Since then the Senate has shifted the former governor’s screening three times with the last date being today, October 22.

Amaechi’s nomination was contested by three Senators from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leading many to believe that the delay in his screening and confirmation is a political move to frustrate him and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) which he belongs to.

READ: Amaechi denies fighting Saraki over ministerial screening

Senator Dino Melaye, who’s the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, has however said that the former governor has no problem and as such will scale through the screening.

READ: Dele Momodu urges Nigerians to pray for Amaechi over screening

His sentiment has also been mirrored by Senate Leader, Ali Ndume who said that the PDP can’t stop Amaechi’s screening and confirmation because it’s no longer in the majority.

READ: Why Amaechi's screening was postponed again

The Senate is expected to resume plenary at 10am today and it is only then that Amaechi’s ministerial fate will truly be determined.