Can Amaechi Become a Minister Without Senate Screening ? [See what the Nigerian Constitution says]

Former Rivers state Governor, Rotimi Amaechi can become a Minister without undergoing Senate Screening.

According to the Nigerian Constitution, if the Senate does not confirm or reject Amaechi within twenty-one working days of the receipt of nomination he automatically becomes a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

See excerpt from Nigerian constitution below:

147. (1) There shall be such offices of Ministers of the Government of the Federation as may be established by the President.

(2) Any appointment to the office of Minister of the Government of the Federation shall, if the nomination of any person to such office is confirmed by the Senate, be made by the President.

(3) Any appointment under subsection (2) of this section by the President shall be in conformity with the provisions of section 14(3) of this Constitution:-

provided that in giving effect to the provisions aforesaid the President shall appoint at least one Minister from each State, who shall be an indigene of such State.

(4) Where a member of the National Assembly or of a House of Assembly is appointed as Minister of the Government of the Federation, he shall be deemed to have resigned his membership of the National Assembly or of the House of Assembly on his taking the oath of office as Minister.

(5) No person shall be appointed as a Minister of the Government of the Federation unless he is qualified for election as a member of the House of Representatives.

(6) An appointment to any of the offices aforesaid shall be deemed to have been made where no return has been received from the Senate within twenty-one working days of the receipt of nomination by the Senate.