Orji Uzor Kalu, the Senator for Abia North, emphasized that the Senate’s responsibility does not extend to verifying the academic credentials of ministerial nominees or any other appointees. He clarified that the Senate’s function is strictly confined to the screening and confirmation of individuals nominated by the president for official positions.
Kalu made these remarks in response to the recent uproar and subsequent resignation of Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, who stepped down amid accusations of falsifying his academic qualifications.
During an interview on Channels Television’s program, Politics Today, aired Wednesday evening, Kalu defended the Senate’s vetting procedures, asserting that the lawmakers fulfilled their duties with due diligence.
“Our role is to evaluate the suitability of the nominee, not to authenticate certificates,” Kalu explained. “The Senate conducted a thorough screening process in his case.”
He praised Nnaji’s choice to resign, labeling it a dignified and responsible decision.
“I commend him for stepping down because when there’s a conflict between your actions and your position, quietly resigning is the honorable path,” Kalu remarked. “Therefore, I don’t see this as a major issue.”
Addressing concerns about whether the scandal has tarnished the reputation of the South-East within the APC, Kalu dismissed such notions, assuring that President Tinubu would promptly appoint a successor.
“The president will find a replacement. When one opportunity closes, another opens,” he said. “I feel sorry for him personally, as he is a close friend, but these things happen.”
Kalu also pointed out that controversies of this nature are not exclusive to Nigeria.
“Uche Nnaji is not the first to face such allegations globally,” he noted. “Even in the U.S. Congress, there have been disputes over academic credentials. I prefer not to comment on remarks made by others, such as Atiku.”
When questioned about the authenticity of his own certificates, Kalu responded with a simple “No.”
Clarifying his stance on certificate scandals, Kalu stated that while such incidents are unacceptable, they should not overshadow the country’s pressing issues.
“I’m not suggesting this is acceptable,” he said. “However, it shouldn’t dominate our national conversation. Our focus should be on addressing the economic challenges we face.”
He reiterated that Nnaji’s resignation was a commendable act and criticized the public’s tendency to harshly judge individuals before due process.
“His resignation is a respectable action,” Kalu concluded. “Once he acknowledged the wrongdoing, the matter should be left to the appropriate authorities rather than being sensationalized on television.”
