Keyamo apologizes to Nigerian Senate

Festus Keyamo extended an apology to the Nigerian Senate on Monday for his actions that undermined the parliament’s oversight role during his term as the Minister of State for Employment, Labour, and Productivity in the previous administration.

The apology came amidst controversy that emerged during his screening on Monday morning.

Senator Darlington Nwokocha, who represented Abia Central Senatorial District and was a member of the 9th National Assembly, raised concerns about Keyamo’s perceived arrogance when asked to appear before the committee overseeing his responsibilities.

Nwokocha invoked Section 88 of the Nigerian Constitution, highlighting the parliament’s duty to carry out legislative activities and asserting that Keyamo had shown disrespect for this constitutional provision.

Nwokocha proposed postponing Keyamo’s screening, a motion that was seconded by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe. In the midst of the confusion, the session was temporarily closed to the public.

When proceedings resumed five hours later, Keyamo returned and expressed his remorse to the Senators. He clarified that the contentious N52 billion Social Works Programme, intended for distribution to local government councils across the states, was his initiative but that he had no knowledge of how the funds were disbursed.

He stated that the Central Bank of Nigeria directly distributed the money to registered beneficiaries based on approved criteria.

Senator Godiya Akwashiki, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labour, Employment, and Productivity, conveyed his displeasure at Keyamo’s treatment of the committee, accepted the apology, and advised Keyamo to avoid similar behaviour in the future. Consequently, Keyamo was allowed to leave without further questioning.