Drama in NASS as Senate Screens Amaechi, four others

*PDP senators keep mum*

There was wild jubilation in National Assembly lobby( White house) on Thursday as Senate screened former governor of Rivers State, Hon. Rotimi Ameachi amidst jubilation in the white house lobby of the National Assembly as Ministerial nominee.

The Senate had twice postponed the screening of the former governor owing to some allegations of fraud levelled against him by the Rivers State Government and the scheduled trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal on alleged false declaration of assets on Wednesday.

Other ministerial nominees screened along with former‎ governors were Heineken Lokpobiri, Claudius Omoyele Daramola Folorunsho, Baba Shehu Mustapha and Ocholi Enojo James.

However, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senators kicked against the screening of former Ameachi without considering the report of Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition laid on Thursday by the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Sam Anyawu for consideration.

To challenge the screening of Ameachi, The Minority leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio came in through point of order but he was countered by Senate Majority leader, Senator Ali Ndume ‎saying that report has already been laid and it will be distributed to senators for consideration.

Minority Leader said that the opposition will not ask any question from Ameachi unless the report laid by the Committee is considered.

‎But, Senate Leader Ndume quickly responded that, as a former Speaker and Governor, could as well simply bow and go. 

Responding to question on corruption allegation against him, the former governor of Rivers state said he was never indicted by any panel on corruption allegation challenging the lawmakers to check the report of the panel.

He also added that he has never taken bribe in his life.

‎Talking about corruption, Ameachi said,” corruption is a very wide concept; it is difficult for me to define corruption. If they send a girl to you to do something for her and you sleep with the girl, you are corrupt.‎”

He also said that he decided to join All Progressive Congress (APC) when he discovered that the former President Goodluck Jonathan is not suitable for the development of Nigeria.

He also vowed to ensure the completion of East West road if he becomes Minister of Niger Delta.

He said, ‎”If I become the Minister for Niger Delta, the East – West Road will be first to be completed.”

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