“Leave Her Beauty and Concentrate on Her CV” – Akpabio Chides Senator for Complimenting Bianca’s Looks

In a recent ministerial screening at the Senate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio admonished Senator Osita Ngwu for focusing on Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s appearance rather than her qualifications. Bianca was among seven nominees being considered for the position of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

During the screening, after Bianca presented her credentials, Ngwu, the Senator representing Enugu West District, began by complimenting her beauty. “Mr. President, the beautiful nominee standing before us,” he remarked, prompting a lighthearted response from Akpabio. “Restrict yourself to the resume. Forget this word beautiful,” he said, noting that such a detail was not included in her CV. This exchange elicited laughter from other Senators.

Following the humorous reprimand, Ngwu shifted his focus to praise Bianca’s qualifications and experience. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South District, also acknowledged her capabilities, stating that her competence was unquestionable. He commended President Bola Tinubu for nominating her, highlighting that including a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the cabinet signals a move toward national unity and integration.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, a distinguished diplomat, lawyer, businesswoman, and beauty pageant titleholder, has an impressive background. Appointed as Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011, she later served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana and then to Spain. She currently holds the position of Nigeria’s permanent representative to the United Nations World Tourism Organization. As the widow of former Biafran leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, she is also recognized for her multiple international pageant titles.

After her qualifications were acknowledged, Bianca was asked to take a bow, marking the end of her screening.