Senate Confirms Eight Resident Electoral Commissioners, Rejects One
Lekan Paul
Posted On Jul 21, 2017
The Nigerian Senate has on Thursday, confirmed the appointment of eight resident electoral commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The confirmation followed its consideration of the report of the INEC on the screening of 12 nominees for appointment as RECs during Thursday’s plenary session.
It however stepped down the confirmation of three nominees from Lagos, Kebbi, and Zamfara states, and outrightly rejected the appointment of Professor Mustapha Zubairu, as the nominee representing Niger state, North Central Nigeria.
Nominees whose appointments were stepped down include Ambassador Rufus Oloruntoyin Akeju representing Lagos state, Dr. Mahmuda Isah representing Kebbi state, and the nominee representing Zamfara state, Ahmad Bello Mahmud.
In the case of the Lagos nominee, Ambassafor Akeju for instance, the Senate decided to step down his confirmation because of a court verdict against his appointment.
Senate Deputy Minority Whip, Senator Biodun Olujimi had presented the court document, arguing that “the parliament should not be seen as flouting a court ruling and therefore suggested that his appointment be suspended until the court says otherwise.”
The eight nominees whose appointments were confirmed by the Senate include, Dr. (Mrs.) Asmau Sani Maikudi, representing Katsina state on new appointment, and Sam Olumekun representing Ondo state, on reappointment.
Also confirmed on Thursday are Professor Riskuwa Shehu representing Sokoto state on new appointment, Barrister Kasim Geidam representing Yobe state on reappointment and Jibrin Zarewa representing Kano state on reappointment.
Other confirmed appointees are, Abdulganiyu Raji, representing Oyo state, on new appointment, Professor Samuel Egwu, representing Kogi state, on new appointment, and the appointee representing Delta state on reappointment, Barrister Mike Igini.
