Buhari presents INEC, NPoC nominees to senate for confirmation, dumps Onochie
President Muhammadu Buhari has written to the Senate seeking confirmation of his nomination of some National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to replace the outgoing ones.
The President, Tuesday, also submitted names of commissioners for the National Population Commission (NPoC) to the senate.
However, conspicuously missing from the President Buhari’s nominees was his Special Adviser on Social Media, Ms Lauretta Onochie, whose earlier nomination in October 2020 to represent Delta State as National Commissioner was greeted by an uproar from the opposition party lawmakers, as well as, rights activists who cited her biased disposition on national issues as reason to oppose her confirmation.
However, the senate officially cited breach of principles of federal character in rejecting her confirmation.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan read the letter during Tuesday’s plenary.
The nominees are Mallam Mohammed Haruna from Niger State representing the North Central as National Commissioner.
Others are: Mrs May Agbamuche Mbu, Delta State (South South) as National Commissioner; and Okeagu Kenneth Nnamdi, Abia State (South East) as National Commissioner.
Also appointed are; Major General A.B. Alkali (retd.) – Adamawa State (North East) as National Commissioner; Professor Rada H. Gumus, Bayelsa State (South South) as National Commissioner; Mr. Sam Olumeku, Ondo State (South West) as National Commissioner; and Olaniyi Olaleye Ijalaye, Ondo State, (South West) as Resident Electoral Commissioner.
President Buhari also sent the names of nominees of commissioners for the National Population Commission (NPoC).
They include: Mr. Benedict Opong, Mrs Gloria Izofor, Barr. Mrs Patricia O. Iyayan Kuchi, Dr. Bala Haliru, and Dr Iyatayo Oyetunbi.
President Buhari’s nomination of Mrs May Agbamuche Mbu as INEC commissioner representing Delta state effectively ends the hopes of Lauretta Onochie who he nominated for the same position.
