Senate President Godswill Akpabio advised Senator Osita Ngwu on Wednesday to focus on professional qualifications, rather than appearance, during the ministerial screening of Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, a former diplomat and beauty queen.
Bianca was one of seven ministerial nominees reviewed by the Senate and was being considered for Minister of State, Foreign Affairs.
After Bianca presented her qualifications, Senator Ngwu, representing Enugu West District, began his questions with a comment on her appearance.
“Mr. President, the beautiful nominee standing before us,” Ngwu remarked, drawing immediate interruption from Akpabio.
“Restrict yourself to the resume. Forget this word ‘beautiful,’” Akpabio said lightheartedly, adding, “She didn’t put in the CV that she is beautiful.”
The exchange caused laughter in the Senate chamber, after which Ngwu focused on Bianca’s professional achievements.
Another Senator, Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia South, praised Bianca’s skills and qualifications, commending President Bola Tinubu for nominating someone of her experience and connections.
He added, “By bringing an APGA person to be a minister has already started a unity government and national integration,” referring to Bianca as a key figure in the All Progressives Grand Alliance.
The widow of the late Biafra leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has an extensive background in diplomacy, law, and business.
In 2011, she served as Nigeria’s Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs under President Goodluck Jonathan. Later, she became Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana and Spain, and she currently represents Nigeria at the UN World Tourism Organization.
The session ended with the Senate allowing Bianca to “take a bow” in recognition of her experience.
