Ndume on Uche Nnaji saga: Senate only confirms nominees, screening is for DSS

Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno south, says the senate is not responsible for screening nominees sent by the presidency for appointment.

The lawmaker was responding to questions arising from the resignation of Uche Nnaji, former minister of innovation, science and technology, over alleged certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who stepped down earlier this week, described the PREMIUM TIMES investigation that exposed the discrepancies as a “sustained campaign of falsehood” against him.

He said his resignation was not an admission of guilt but an act of respect for due process and ongoing court proceedings.

Speaking on Thursday during his appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, Ndume said the upper legislative  chamber only confirms nominees after security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), have completed their background checks.

“We are not screening — get this clear,” Ndume said.

“Screening and confirmation are two different things. Before the president sends a candidate to the senate, several processes are involved, including checks by the SSS. The SSS has to clear the person first.”

Ndume said the problem of forged documents in Nigeria extends beyond the political class.

“This issue of forgery is a big problem in Nigeria,” he said.

“It’s not just among politicians. Even you (Seun Okinbaloye, the anchor), I don’t know your certificates. Everyone has classmates, including Nnaji.”

The senator recalled that the senate had previously dropped a nominee after the DSS raised a red flag during its background checks.

“Last time, the DSS brought a report against someone and we rejected the person,” he said.

“So don’t say we are not doing our job. We don’t do screening — we only confirm.”

Ndume added that the senate relies on security reports before taking a decision on presidential nominees.