Lai Mohammed enjoys ‘bow-and-go’ screening

In a rare show of respect, the senate on Tuesday asked Lai Mohammed, spokesman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ministerial nominee, to “take a bow and go” without answering questions like other nominees.

The privilege, which is by tradition reserved for lawmakers, was curiously accorded to the APC spok‎esman, with Senate President Bukola Saraki the first to set the tone by asking his colleagues if the former opposition spokesman should just take a bow and go.

In his brief remark Mohammed said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 10 years as a spokesman for the opposition party, but it is better and more comfortable to be in government.

It is a service to be in opposition, but it is more service to be in government. We will not be as harsh as we were in opposition. Our mission and vision will be commitment and patriotism as we were when we were in the opposition.”

Ndume Ali, senate leader, moved the motion for‎ Mohammed to take a bow and go.

Godswill Akpabio, senate minority leader, seconded the motion, but not until he had said Mohammed should be allowed to express himself because he was known for propaganda.

“We are sure that before he leaves here, he will drop at least two propaganda,” Akpabio said amidst thunderous laughter by members of the chamber.

Mohammed then expressed confidence in his ability to deliver results as a minister. he afterwards took a bow and left‎.

Of the eight ministerial nominees screened so far, Mohammed is the only one who was not questioned by the lawmakers.