Author: The Nation

• Describes former Kano gov as one of his boys

Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party ( NNPP) in the February 25, 2023 election, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso has described the immediate past governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, as one of his political boys who always cower before him and would never muster the courage to look at his face anytime they meet.

The former Kano State governor disclosed  this in an interview session with BBC Hausa yesterday in reaction to Ganduje’s remark that he would have slapped him (Kwankwaso) at the Presidential Villa over the recent demolition of some buildings in the state.

His words: “I heard that he (Ganduje) said he would’ve slapped me, but I’m here. He was just confused. These are all my boys politically. They can’t even look at me straight on the face if we meet. He was in a confused state when he said that.  These are my political boys, if they see me, they lower their gaze.”

Speaking on his visit to the Presidential Villa, Kwankwaso, said he met with President Bola Tinubu for about two hours and was able to persuade him about the alleged land deals and other violations of the former Ganduje administration in Kano State, adding that the President was “surprised with the revelations.”

He alleged that  Ganduje had allotted grounds at the Kano Race Course to his cronies and family members, making it difficult for individuals who wished to engage in athletic events and other exercises to find a location in the state.

According to him, Ganduje did not spare the Eid praying ground, where Muslims converged to pray during Sallah, by allegedly allowing shops to be built around the holy place where the Emir and many other important dignitaries do pray during Muslim festive seasons, compromising the security of the Eid Prayer ground.

Kwankwaso stated that there was a possibility that the Tinubu administration would include some members of the opposition in his cabinet, and he did not rule out the possibility of his inclusion in the new administration’s upcoming ministerial list.

• …Warns against investing in its crypto-assets

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has declared the activities of Binance in Nigeria illegal.

The Head of Corporate Communications of the SEC, Efe Ebelo, in a statement yesterday  disclosed that the commission had in a circular  dated June 9, 2023, warned Nigerians against trading on Binance Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of the well-known global cryptocurrency exchange, Binance. The circular, according to Efe, strongly stated that  anyone dealing with the organ is doing so at his or her own risk.

According to the circular, “The attention of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) has been drawn to the website operated by Binance Nigeria Limited, soliciting the Nigerian public to trade crypto assets on its various web and mobile-enabled platforms.

“Binance Nigeria Limited is neither registered nor regulated by the Commission and its operations in Nigeria are, therefore, illegal.

“Any member of the investing public dealing with the entity is doing so at his/her own risk.”

The SEC further stated: “As the regulator with the statutory mandate of investor protection, the Commission urges Nigerians to be wary of investing in crypto-assets, and crypto-asset related financial products and services if the service provider/its platform is not registered or regulated by the Commission.

“The Commission, therefore, warned Nigerian investors that investing in crypto-assets is extremely risky and may result in total loss of their investment.

“By this circular, Binance Nigeria Limited is hereby directed to immediately stop soliciting Nigerian investors in any form whatsoever.

“The Commission shall provide updates on further regulatory actions with respect to the activities of Binance Nigeria Limited, and other similar platforms and shall work with other regulators in Nigeria to provide further guidance on this matter.”

A former Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has advised President Bola Tinubu to set up a high-powered panel to review ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo’s health agenda for Nigeria and that of immediate past Vice President Yemi Osinbajo‘s Health Sector Reform Committee and generate a plan of action for overhauling Nigeria’s ailing health sector.

Adewole said this at the just concluded Ordinary General Meeting and Scientific Conference Eko 23, organised by the Nigerian Association of Residents Doctors (NARD). The event was held at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Tagged: ‘Redefining Healthcare Policies to Cater to Present Realities/Violence Against Healthcare Providers: One Crime Too Many,” brought together hundreds of resident doctors from across the country. The event featured seminars, awards, a sports variety night, and courtesy visits.

According to Adewole, the issues before the Tinubu administration included heath system underperformance, poor funding, brain drain, lack of health system financing and administration, interpersonal and intra- professional rivalry, and incessant strikes.

The former health minister, who was represented by the Medical Director of Federal Medical Center, Ebute-Metta, Lagos,   Dr. Adedamola Dada, highlighted the six reform components which bothered on health governance, leadership, and institutional reforms as well as human resources for health.

“Health financing systems reforms, health service delivery and redesign, health infrastructure upgrades, pharmaceutical supply chain & research and development and pandemic preparedness, response and emerging challenges in public health governance,” he said.

He also noted that the Tinubu administration should demonstrate an early focus on expanding Universal Health Coverage for Nigeria.

“Under the NSHLC, sub-national health leaders are committed to clear and enforce accountability mechanisms, obsessive attention to data and using it to make decisions, using government institutions and technical expertise of non-governmental actors effectively, a strong willingness to innovate, and doing away with what does not work and focusing on results, incentives, and management alongside investments.”

He identified the next steps to be looked into as health system underperforming, poor funding, ‘japa’ syndrome, lack of involvement of state and local government in healthcare services, inter-professional rivalry, and incessant strikes in the system.

Also speaking, former Minister of Science and Technology, Senator Adeleke Mamora, said that the two pending reports which have to do with health sector reforms need to be distilled to have a kind of holistic approach to the health sector reform.

He noted that the demands of the health workers were legitimate but noted that their demands should be put forward in an atmosphere of peace and cordiality as the new President is committed and sincere in developing the sector.

In a communiqué presented by the NARD President, Dr. Emeka Innocent Orji, at the end of the event, the association called on President Tinubu to as a matter of urgency put measures in place to cushion the effect of subsidy removal on poor Nigerians.

He advised the government to ensure that monies saved from the removal of subsidy are judiciously used and put into meaningful investments that would better the lives of all Nigerians; in this case, health and education should be prioritised.

He appealed to the President as a matter of urgency to declare a state of emergency in the Nigerian health sector as the era of paying lip service to the monster called brain drain should be over.

• Nwifuru: No one will stampede me
• Rufai’s successor shuns new official cars

Many of the first term state governors sworn in two weeks ago are up against formidable political forces as the state helmsmen begin to appoint their personal aides and members of the their  cabinet.

Although most of the governors have already picked the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff and media aides, appointment into other offices is still hanging ,leaving room for vested interests to put pressure on the governors to look in their direction for nomination.

Investigation by our reporters in the various states showed that political activists and party men/women are also demanding compensation by way of appointments for the role they played in the victory of their governor.

Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, has made only one appointment since his swearing in: that of Prof. Chidiebere Onyia as SSG.

Residents of the state, particularly, PDP members and groups who worked for Mbah’s election, are eagerly waiting for further appointments.

Party sources said the delay by the governor in making additional appointments stems largely from hire wire politics.

It was gathered that some names have been forwarded to him for appointment as Chief Press Secretary, for instance, but he is yet to make up his mind on who among them he can work with.

Intense lobbying is said to be on for appointment as commissioners, special advisers, special assistants and members of parastatals and agencies.

Some of the appointment seekers are said to be seeking the assistance of even religious leaders in the state to make a case for them with the governor.

A Labour Party chieftain in the state, Barr. Emeka Ugwu, claims the delay is an indication that the governor is not fully prepared for the job.

“He claimed that he would hit the ground running. But he is doing that with only one appointee, which is the SSG, Ugwu said.

He added: “So, it’s not possible to hit the ground running with only SSG. What can only SSG do? He needs to have a retinue of staff working with him and consulting. He is just working on his own. We want to know the people he wants to work with.”

A close associate of the governor, who preferred anonymity, told our correspondent that Governor Mbah was only being careful given the combination of highly influential political forces that helped him into office against all odds.

The source said the governor is being circumspect about stepping on the toes of his benefactors.

The governor is reported to be seeking a balance and an amicable power-sharing formula that would satisfy his benefactors, who played major roles in his emergence.

Mbah during the two-day pre-inauguration workshop for the 8th Assembly members-elect at Nike Lake Resort, Enugu, last Thursday, gave a hint at what might be delaying the appointment of his key officials and cabinet.

Mbah, who spoke through his deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, said that he was still searching for people with intellectual energy to be appointed in various positions.

According to him, “we are making every effort to infuse our cabinet with the intellectual energy needed to deliver on our mandate, and fulfil our campaign promises to the people of the state.”

Eno may reappoint some aides of predecessor

Akwa Ibom State governor, Umo Eno, has made five appointments already but sources said yesterday that his team will be a mix of new and old hands.

He has retained Mr. Ekerete Udoh as Chief Press Secretary while bringing on board

Mr. Enobong Uwah as SSG, Mr. Anietie Usen as Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity,Mr Otobong Edem Idiong as Chief of Protocol and Dr  Uduakobong Inam as Economic Adviser.

A source said: “I can speak on good authority that Governor Umo Eno will reappoint some people from the immediate past administration. It is going to be a mixture of the old and new.

“Don’t forget that there are ministries supervising key projects in the state and commissioners who served in the last administration and know the nitty-gritty of the projects. Their wealth of experience is needed to drive the projects under the new administration.”

Otu on course to be his own man

It appears Governor Bassey Otu is determined to be his own man after sending all political appointees, including local government chairmen, in the last dispensation packing.

He dissolved all Governing Boards of Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies other than Statutory Boards and sacked all committees, tax and revenue agents.

He subsequently appointed a former Vice Chancellor of the Cross River State University of Science and Technology, Prof.Anthony Owan-Enoh, as SSG.

The SSG is the elder brother of John Owan-Enoh, who contested the APC governorship ticket with Otu and went to court to challenge the outcome of the party primaries.

He later withdrew the suit following the intervention of President Tinubu, who was at the time, the party’s presidential candidate.

Otu also appointed Emmanuel Ogbeche as Chief Press Secretary; retired General  Okoi Obong, as senior special adviser on security matters; retired AIG  John Abang as special adviser on security in Cross River Central; Achu Olayi  as Special Adviser on Security in Cross River North ; Patrick Odiong as Special Adviser on Security in Cross River South ;and Sylvester Abang as acting chief of protocol.

I won’t be stampeded, says Nwifuru

Ebonyi State governor, Ogbonnaya Nwifuru, was hardly allowed to enjoy his honeymoon before the darts came flying from critics for what they called his inaction.

A group of Ebonyi natives known as the Association of Ebonyi Indigenes Socio-Cultural in the Diaspora (AEISCID) alleged that the immediate past governor, David Umahi, was still in charge in the state and would not allow his successor to function.

President of AEISCID, Pascal Oluchchukwu, claimed that one week after Nwifuru took the oath of office as governor, the people were yet to see any visible signs of governance.

Oluchchukwu said the governor’s body language did not show he was ready to appoint members of his cabinet any time soon.

The group alleged that Nwifuru was obviously not in charge, saying that his predecessor was still seen moving in convoy and inspecting some uncompleted projects in the city.

However, Nwifuru in a statement through his Chief Press Secretary Monday Uzor, dismissed the AEISCID allegation.

He said he would not be stampeded by anyone into making appointments, adding that he was taking his time to assemble the best team for the state.

“Governor Francis Nwifuru is not only in charge of his government but has the support and love of the entire people of the state who have absolute confidence in his ability to deliver on his campaign promises to  Ebonyi people,” Uzor said.

“It is on record that the appointment of ‘kitchen cabinet’ as contained in their diatribe remains the prerogative of the State Chief Executive and has nothing to do with performance especially for a governor who just took over few days back.

“The Governor is taking his time to assemble professionals in various areas to help him drive down his policies and programmes and therefore will not be stampeded by any faceless group into rushing into appointments just to favour a certain group whose stock in trade is to fight every administration in Ebonyi State.”

Mr Uzor further noted that the appointment of Principal Officers as alleged by this group does not in any way signify strength nor weakness of the present administration under Governor Nwifuru.

Nwifuru on Friday night appointed a university don, Prof. Grace Umezurike, as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG)

Umezuruike, is the first female to be appointed SSG in the history of the state.

We’ll make do with vehicles bought by El-Rufai,says Uba Sani

Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, will not be changing the fleet of government vehicles he inherited from Mallam Nasir El-Rufai anytime soon.

Sani said his administration would not engage in any frivolities or waste of public funds.

Sources said the new governor made it clear to heads of government parastatals at a meeting that his priorities for now are the security and welfare of Kaduna State citizens, and not his personal comfort.

According to the source, Governor Uba Sani also said that his administration would focus on rural development to discourage rural-urban migration, which is currently putting pressure on facilities in the urban centers.

Alia flags off construction of 1000 housing units

Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia, hit the ground running with the flagging off of the construction of 1,000 housing units in the state.

Ha has also appointed his Chief of Staff, Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service, Principal Private Secretary and Chief Press Secretary.

He nullified all appointments made by his predecessor on the eve of his departure from office.

Mutfwang goes tough, sacks LG chairmen

Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has appointed   interim transition committee Chairmen for the 17 local government councils in the state after sacking those appointed by the former administration.

He has also got the nod of the State House of Assembly to appoint 15 aides.

• Gagdi visits Tinubu again, may step down shortly
• PDP alleges plot to intimate, arrest dissenting lawmakers-elect
• Nigeria’s stability more important than your pockets, Shettima tells senators
• First Lady: God sustained me for three terms
• I’m not a thief, says weeping Kalu at valedictory session

One or two of the aspirants for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives may step down as the horse trading for the election of the leadership of the 10th National Assembly enters its final hours.

One of the contestants, Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (Pankshin/Kanye/Kanam), emerged from a meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Friday night hinting of some announcement.

It was his third meeting with the President on the speakership race in three days.

The camp of Senator Godswill Akpabio remained upbeat yesterday about his chances of clinching the Senate Presidency on Tuesday.

The 9th  Senate wound down yesterday with Vice President Kashim Shettima giving it a thump up for working  for the betterment of Nigeria.

Shettima said during the Senate valedictory session that Nigeria’s stability was better than the stability of the pockets of individual senators.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu expressed gratitude to God for sustaining her in the Senate for three consecutive terms.

Gagdi, in a tweet yesterday following his latest meeting with Tinubu, said he was in discussion with his fellow aspirants on the way forward.

He promised to make an announcement as soon as consultations were concluded.

He said: “Within the last 72 hours, | have visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu three (3) times at the Presidential Villa on one on one meetings that all together lasted for more than one hour.

“The discussions have to do with my ambition of becoming the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives and the leadership issue of the 10th Assembly. 

“I thank Mr. President for this honour and unique show of love to me and to the good people of Pankshin/Kanake/Kanam Federal Constituency.

“I appeal to my supporters, Honorable Colleagues in particular, to remain calm as I am in deep discussions and consultations with my fellow aspirants and some national leaders.

“After all deliberations, an official statement will be issued in this regard. Thank you my father and Mr. President.”

Former Zamfara State Governor AbdulAziz Yari, former Abia State Governor Orji Kalu and former National Organising Secretary of the APC Osita Izunazo are resolute in testing their popularity on the floor of the Senate for the Senate Presidency against the party’s official candidate, Akpabio.

Yari, in particular, believes he can beat Akpabio with the support of the majority of the opposition senators-elect and a few APC members who are not disposed toward Akpabio.

The Akpabio camp claims no fewer than 70 senators-elect have committed themselves to voting for him.

PDP alleges plots to intimidate, arrest dissenting lawmakers-elect

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) claimed yesterday that the APC planned to intimidate and arrest lawmakers-elect who are opposed to the ruling party’s preferred candidates for the leadership of the National Assembly.

National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, told reporters in Abuja that information at the party’s disposal suggested “attempt by APC elements to intimidate, harass and threaten lawmakers-elect with a view to influencing the emergence of the leadership of the National Assembly.

“Reports in the public space indicate plots to arrest individuals who are considered to be strong proponents of the independence of the legislature and the right of members-elect to elect their leadership.”

Ologunagba said the standing rules of the two chambers of the National Assembly provide for members to freely elect their leaders.

“This is the critical ingredient of constitutional democracy, independence of the legislature and principle of separation of powers,” he said.

The PDP spokesman added that feelers from public discourse indicated that some elements in the APC have become agitated and resorted to plots to influence the emergence of the leadership of the National Assembly outside the floor.

Stating that the independence of the legislature is a prerequisite for a virile democracy, the party insisted that members-elect in the two chambers must be allowed to freely elect their leadership.

“The National Assembly is the symbol of the sovereignty of the people in a participatory democracy. The people exercise such sovereignty through the choices made by their elected representatives on the floor of the National Assembly.

 “Fundamental to this sovereignty is the choice of the presiding officers of the National Assembly which must not be appropriated by any group of individuals. Such will amount to a dethronement of the sovereignty of the people,” the PDP said.

The main opposition party charged lawmakers-elect to remain steadfast in their resolve and to continue to keep in mind that Nigerians expect them to assert their independence in the election of the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Fourth-term Rep Akinlade backs Abbas for Speaker

A fourth-term Rep, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade (Yewa South/Ipokia Federal), asked all APC members in the House to support Tajudeen Abbas to emerge as Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives.

Akinlade said Abbas has a solid legislative pedigree that stands him out.

The lawmaker described Abbas as a quiet but resourceful personality with the requisite legislative experience and leadership qualities to lead the 10th Assembly.

He said: “Abbas possesses the experience and knowledge to steer the ship of the 10th Assembly to legislative excellence. I call on my colleagues to support him for a rancour-free Assembly.”

While calling on other aspirants to close ranks with Abbas to emerge the Speaker, Akinlade urged him to extend the hands of fellowship to his co-contestants for the purpose of having a united house to deliver on the mandate given by the Nigerian people.

Shettima to Senators-elect: Vote wisely on Tuesday

Shettima in his valedictory speech on the floor of the Senate yesterday urged Senators-elect to “vote wisely” on Tuesday when they are expected to pick the President and Deputy President of the 10th Senate.

Shettima said: “To my fellow colleagues who will depart from this chamber, I address you not as colleagues left behind but as experienced lawmakers who have become an integral part of my history.

“We have shared many things in common and standing shoulder to shoulder in times of adversity. We have fought relentlessly for the betterment of our dear country.

“To my incoming colleagues, I will leave you with a paradox. The stability of this nation is superior to the stability of our pockets. On Tuesday, let us vote wisely. Let us vote for the Nigerian nation.

“The stability of our country is better than the stability of our pockets. Let us vote wisely on Tuesday.”

On her part, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu said: “God sustained me for three terms, from 7th Assembly to 9th Assembly.

“I am still confused myself how I have been able to continue the journey, because serving the nation takes a lot of sacrifice.

“It started with the sacrifice from your homes, your children even your better half. It is also a great privilege for all of us that are here because over the years, we have made friends, brothers, sisters across our various tribes, ethnicity and religious divide.

“We have the entire Nigerians being represented and we were able to forge ahead and come together when we need to make very good decisions in the overall interest of the nation. We did that as elder statesmen and women.

“My thanks will go to my husband for even giving me support. He gives me advice when I seek for it. He gave me the freedom to be myself and to be able to make contributions necessary to improve the lives of our people, especially our women, youths and children.

“God used me to do exploit in this hallowed chamber. I did all that is required of every legislator: motions, bills, including those that had been assented to by law.”

I’m not a thief – those who put me in prison wanted to kill me, says tearful Orji Kalu

The Chief Whip of the 9th Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu was all tears yesterday during the Senate’s valedictory session in Abuja.

He said he was no thief as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had wanted to portray him.

He alleged that some people put him in prison with the aim of killing him.

The EFCC had arraigned the former Abia governor and Mr Ude Jones Udeogu, a former director of finance and accountant in Abia State, on a 36 count of money laundering to the tune of N7.1 billion.

On December 5, 2019, Kalu was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment while Udeogu got a 10-year sentence.

The Supreme Court later nullified the trial of Kalu and his co-convicts.

The apex court held that Mohammed Idris, the trial judge who had been elevated to the Court of Appeal at the time of the case, ought not to have presided over the matter while he was an Appeal Court Judge.

No fresh charges have been preferred against him since then.

The Chief Whip said before he ventured into politics, he was wealthy and played a critical role financially in the formation of the PDP.

He said:”Before I came into politics, I could buy anything money can buy. I’m not a thief.

“Those that put me in prison know the reason. They took over my businesses and wanted to kill me, yet I survived it and I’m in the Senate with you.

“I have never lacked. While I was in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where I served for two terms as governor, I brought the money that they used in forming that party, every penny, in 1997 and 1998, and I later became a thief.

“People I gave transport money from my house in Victoria Island became agents. This is what Nigeria represents. Thank you for giving me these four years of uninterrupted support. This country is not fair.”

 Those who call us rubber stamp are jealous, envious of our achievements, says Lawan

Outgoing Senate President Ahmed Lawan said in his speech that critics tagging the 9th National Assembly as ‘rubber stamp’ were just being jealous and envious of its achievements.

The same Senate, according to him, passed over 500 bills, 31 of which were assented to by ex-President Muhammadu Buhari while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed additional two.

He said parliaments across the world have traditionally suffered from negative stereotypes and poor public perception.

He said: “A similar situation obtains in Nigeria, where the National Assembly has been acutely misunderstood and characterised negatively by popular narratives in the press and social media.

“As the people’s representatives, we took it upon ourselves to engage and sensitise the public on the roles and limitations of the legislature.

“We introduced the Distinguished Parliamentarians Lecture Series to interface with the public on crucial governance issues on a sustained basis.

“I had the honour of delivering the maiden lecture in 2021, during which I emphasised that while negative perceptions exist, they do not necessarily reflect the reality of the National Assembly.”

Reflecting on some of the achievements of the Senate, Lawan said: “In lawmaking, the 9th Senate introduced and successfully passed critical legislations that could reform and promote the economy, improve transparency in government processes and enhance public confidence in the electoral process.

“As of June 10th 2023, over 1,129 Bills were presented on the floor of the Senate, and over 500 were successfully passed. The President assented to 131 Bills, the highest of any Assembly in Nigeria’s history.

“In the last few days, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has assented to two Bills passed by the 9th National Assembly, namely the “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) (No.37) Bill, 2023”, which extends the retirement age of high court judges and others from 65 to 70 years.

“This was the first Bill to be signed by the President since taking the oath of office. Only yesterday, 9th June, 2023, he also assented to the Electricity Act 2023, which we had passed in July 2022. The new law replaces the Electricity and Power Sector Reform Act of 2005.”

He added: “Beyond the impressive numbers, however, these laws cut across the eleven priority areas of our Legislative Agenda.

“They lay the foundation for multi-sectoral reforms and revitalisation of the Nigerian state.

“For example, for the first time in decades, we enacted the Petroleum Industry Act to overhaul the oil and gas sector to better respond to the changing environment and foster stronger sector growth.

“We passed numerous legislations to stimulate the Nigerian economy and improve the ease of doing business. These include the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020, Finance Act 2020, Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020, Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract (Amendment) Act 2019, and many others.

“To enhance accountability and promote good governance, we also enacted the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022, Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, and Police Act 2020, among others. Critically too, we successfully enacted the Electoral Act 2022, which reformed our electoral process to enhance transparency and inspire greater voter confidence.

“The National Social Investment Programme Agency Act 2023 institutionalises and provides a legal framework for government programmes targeting the poor and vulnerable.

“We passed 16 Constitutional Alteration Bills targeted at, among other things, providing for the Financial Independence of State Houses of Assembly and State Judiciary; decongesting the Exclusive Legislative List by moving railway to the Concurrent Legislative List; authorising States to generate, transmit and distribute electricity in areas covered by the national grid; and making it mandatory for the President and Governors to submit the names of persons nominated as Ministers or Commissioners within 60 days of taking the Oath of Office for confirmation by the Senate or State House of Assembly.”