Ministerial Nominee: How Maryam Shetty received news of being removed from list

Maryam Shetty, a ministerial nominee from Kano state, faced a sudden turn of events during her screening at the Senate as she received the news of her nomination being dropped. Accompanied by associates, she arrived at the National Assembly Complex in a black SUV, dressed in a black flowing gown with a red headgear and a sunshade on her face.

In a video, the former nominee was seen posing for photographs before being led away. Her name was initially listed on the Senate’s order paper for screening, and her documents had been sent ahead. However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu later withdrew her nomination and nominated Festus Keyamo, the former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, in her place.

Amid the ongoing ministerial screening at the Senate, there has been a justification for the “bow-and-go” privilege accorded to members of parliament who appear for confirmation of appointments. Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, stated that the Senate is already familiar with the antecedents and capabilities of parliamentarians nominated as ministers, making thorough grilling unnecessary.

He added that this “bow and go” practice is a global phenomenon, not limited to Nigerian parliament. As the screening process continues, another nominee from Kano State will now face the upper legislative chamber for screening.