The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Wednesday confirmed Senator Musiliu Obanikoro as a minister.
He was appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan, but his confirmation was stalled due to yet to be substantiated allegations that Obanikoro played a key role in a purported electoral rigging in Ekiti State, after being named in an alleged tape.
The Senate approved Mr. Obanikoro’s nomination as a minister, after repeated deferments following protests fuelld opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), who had vowed to stop his clearance.
As a former senator himself, the Senate allowed Obanikoro the traditional “take a bow and go”, without answering questions, a privilege reserved for former federal lawmakers.
However, the APC lawmakers in protest staged a walk out from the session.
The Senate President, David Mark had reminded his colleagues that he has not been served a court order in respect of allegations against Obanikoro, insisting the screening would hold.
