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Tag: Bukola Saraki

  • Governor’s wife warns against trafficking of displaced children

    As Benue SSG Celebrates 55th Birthday With IDPs

    Wife of the Benue State Governor, Dr. Mrs. Eunice Ortom has cautioned against trafficking of displaced children for farming or business activities in parts of the country.

    Mrs. Ortom who gave the caution at LGEA Central Primary School Gbajimba, one of the Internally Displaced Persons camps in Guma LGA said anyone found culpable of such would be jailed.

    There are over 200,000 Internally Displaced Persons ( IDPs) in eight (8) camps spread across Benue state following deadly attacked by suspected  fulani herdsmen against Benue farmers .

    She stated that it was inhuman for either parents or relations to give their children out for whatever reason, noting that government would not condone such act from anyone.

    The Governor’s wife while pledging her commitment to sustain the supply of boiled eggs to children in the camps to combat malnutrition among them said the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki had sent a large consignment of eggs which would soon be received and distributed to the various camps.

    She congratulated Professor Ijohor on his 55th birthday, stressing that it was gratifying to celebrate with the displaced especially in their present predicament, adding that the IDPs needed love and care at this critical time.

    Read Also: Governors advise Nigerians on spiritual rebirth, tolerance, unity

    In his remark, the celebrant, Professor Ijohor, said he and his wife decided to visit the IDP camp and celebrate with the displaced persons on his birthday just to prove to them that they were not left alone.

    He acknowledged the efforts of Governor Ortom in catering for the displaced persons, even as he prayed God to bring an end to the herdsmen attacks on Benue communities for the displaced to return to their homes and continue with their normal activities.

    In separate goodwill messages, representative of the Benue State Executive Council and Commissioner for Works, Transport and Energy, Mr. Emmanuel Manger, MD BIPC, Mr. Alfred Adum, DG Radio Benue, Mrs. Espie Ushe- Uba as well as Rev. Fr. Solomon Ukeyima, all lauded the gesture of Professor Ijohor and urged the IDPs not to despair as an end to the crisis was in sight.

    Speaking on behalf of the displaced persons, Mr. Torhile Tsavbee, Mrs. Esther Ancha as well as representative of the youth, all commended the Ortom-led administration for taking good care of them but appealed that security be beefed up in their communities so they could return to their homes.

    Items donated to the IDPs by the celebrant with support from colleagues, friends and associates included 305 bags of rice, 522 crates of eggs, 100 cartons of Indomine, Cowbell milk, Salt and Tomato paste each as well as 50 cartons of Onga among others.

  • Eid-el-fitr: Saraki, Ekweremadu congratulate Muslims, calls for sustained prayers

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki and his deputy on Thursday congratulated Muslim faithful across the country on the successful completion of the month-long Ramadan fast and called for sustained prayers for peace in the country.

    Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, to commemorate the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations said that in spite of Federal Government’s appreciable efforts in combating the challenge of insecurity, it is imperative for Muslim faithful to utilise this period to pray fervently for peace and unity in the country. 

    “We have just ended a month long fast thus paving way for the Eid-el-fitr celebrations. These two periods are such times that the Almighty Allah enjoined us to ask for his blessings. We should therefore seize the opportunity to pray for the country and its leaders,” Saraki said.

    Saraki called on Nigerians to use the season  to promote national integration, saying “Eid-el-fitr is a time of love and goodwill. It gives us a message to love all and hate none.”

    He said despite numerous challenges in the country, ‘’hope is not lost”, adding that, “only tolerance, stronger sense of patriotism and love for one another will help the country surmount her present socio-economic challenges.”

    Ekweremadu, also congratulated the Muslim Umah on the successful conclusion of the Ramadan fast, urging them to continue to pray for the nation, especially towards the successful conduct of the 2019 general elections.

    Ekwereamdu stated this in his Eid-el-Fitr message to the Muslim Umah.

    Read Also: Offa robbery: Saraki writes Police

    He also enjoined Muslim faithful to remain true to the teachings of Islam imbibed during the fast even after the holy month.

    “I congratulate our Muslim Umah for successfully observing the Ramadan Fast and prayers, with its life-enriching lessons in the virtues of love, forbearance, unity, patriotism, self-sacrifice.

    “In the last one month, I observed the piety and the spirit of giving associated with the month and, therefore, urges our Muslim bothers and sisters to remain their brother’s keeper till eternity so as to make the society better for it.

     “I urge them to continue in a life of prayers for the nation. Being the last Ramadan before the 2019 general elections, I urge our Muslim brethren and indeed all Nigerians to continue to pray for the peaceful and successful conduct of the elections”, he added.

     He wished the Muslim Umah a merry Eid-el-Fitr and God’s blessings.

  • Offa Robbery: Civil Society Coalition demands Saraki’s resignation

    A coalition of some Civil Society Organizations (CSO) in the country on Friday demanded immediate resignation of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki from office over his alleged link with robbers who were involved in the bank robbery in Offa, Kwara state.

    The CSO said Saraki should also face the music for the non-declaration of his assets and alleged killings of over 33 people in Kwara State by his political thugs.

    The group under the umbrella of Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance and Democracy, recalled that Saraki’s corruption trial with the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT,  on alleged non-assets declaration was still on-going,  insisting that the path of honour for the Senate President is for him to step down to clear his name.

    Addressing Journalists in Abuja, Convener of the group, Alhaji Adamu Kabiru, who led other groups comprising labour unions, trade unions and Joint Action Committee, JAC, to the event, tasked members of the 8th Senate to do the needful by immediately impeaching Saraki as Senate President should he fail to resign.

    Read Also:Offa robbery: Kwarans in heated debate over Saraki-police rift

    According to the group it is about time the National Assembly members bring sanity and restoration of the lost glory to the upper chamber in particular.

    The coalition lamented that Nigeria has become a laughing stock in the international community in view of the many corruption cases involving its number three citizen in government. It accused the Senate President of seeking revenge against President Muhammadu Buhari and some appointees in the crime and anti-corruption agencies.

    It described as unfortunate the fact that Saraki’s National Assembly was threatening President Buhari with impeachment following his latest problem with the Nigeria Police.

    “For Dr Saraki to threaten President Buhari with impeachment only because the police rightly invited him is the height of arrogance, and abuse of office and disrespect for the rule of law.

    “It is therefore, our considered view that the President of the Senate be impeached immediately and until this done, he will continue to hold to ransom the entire country and her development, “Kabiru said.

    Kabiru further said: “We are gathered here to affirm that for good governance and democracy to thrive, Saraki must excuse the Senate as their president and face his multiple criminal cases ranging from, financial crimes, to abuse of office, robbery, non-declaration of assets and sponsorship of militia in Kwara State.

    “I am constrained to bring to your notice that the police have invited the Senate President to offer clarifications on the level of his involvement with the Offa robbery and allegations of arms purchase to militia.

    “To this end, how then will Dr Saraki continue to stay in office as President of the Senate?  It has never been this bad for our country, ”

    Kabiru who led Mrs. Sharon N Opara from Trade Unions, Bisong Jonathan from Labour Unions and Femi Abbas from Joint Action Committee to the event, said: “To worsen the situation and to the greatest dismay and disappointment of Nigerians, the Senate President a few days ago masterminded a joint sitting of the National Assembly to muster and nurture the impeachment of President Buhari.

    “He led the joint sitting to reel out a number of conditions for the president to avert imminent impeachment; this is the height of folly, immaturity, mischief, treason, callous and gross abuse of office by Dr Saraki.

    “Interestingly, all this shenanigans are made possible by virtue of his influence as President of the Senate.

    “I am inclined to have it on good authority that the Dr Saraki has plans to use the instrumentality of the National Assembly to become the president of the country.  This ambition has been made public and needs no further microscopic lens for confirmation.’”

  • Senate proceeds on Sallah break

    The Senate on Thursday adjourned plenary till July 3 and proceed on Sallah break.

    The President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, disclosed this shortly before adjourning the plenary.

    The Senate had during the plenary, deliberated on the declaration of June 12 as public holiday by President Muhammadu Buhari.

  • Court okays IGP’s suit against Saraki, Senate

    Accuses Saraki, others of harbouring hatred,contempt against him

     

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has given nod to plan by Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris to sue for among others, an order quashing the May 9, 2015 resolution of the Senate, describing him “an enemy of democracy and unfit to hold any public office within and outside Nigeria.”

    In an ex-parte ruling, Justice John Tsoho also granted leave to the IGP to file an originating summons for judicial review of the said resolution made on May 9 this year by the Senate, for the purpose of quashing it.

    The judge ordered that processes in the suit, including the ruling be served on the respondents – the Senate and its President, Bukola Saraki – through the Clerk of the National Assembly.

    He said the service of the processes through the Clerk of the Senate shall be deemed proper and valid service.

    Justice Tsoho gave the ruling after IGP’s lawyer, Alex Izinyon (SN) moved the application and prayed the court to grant it.

    The proceedings of Thursday is separate from a pending suit equally file by the IGP, challenging the legitimacy of the Senate’s insistence that he must appear before the legislative house in person in relation to the Senate’s purported probe of the trial of its member, Dino Melaye on criminal charges.

    The IGP, in an affidavit supporting his ex-parte application that was moved on Thursday, described the May 9 resolution of the Senate as “legislative judgment.”

    He argued that the conduct of the respondents, in the proceedings leading to resolution, was borne out of the “hatred and undisguised contempt” they allegedly harbour against him.

    The IGP said the conduct of the Senate and its President, Saraki, during  the “votes and proceedings” leading to the May 9, 2018 resolution “is palpable of bias, deep rooted prejudice, visible hatred, and undisguised contempt of me”.

    He added: “That I was informed by my lead counsel, Dr. Alex A. Izinyon, SAN, in his office at No. 1 Kinshasa Street, Wuse Zone 6, Abuja on May 20, 2018 about 5:30pm of the following facts which I verily believe to be true:

    “That the respondents lack the competence and/or jurisdiction to impose penal sanction on me under section 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

    Read Also: Police insist on Saraki’s link with Offa robbery suspects

    “That the respondents act ultra vires its powers under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by imposing on me penal sanction unknown to law contained in the said gazette dated 9th May, 2018.

    “That the conduct of the respondents throughout the votes and proceedings that led to the said resolution contained in the gazette dated May 9, 2018 is palpable of bias, deep rooted prejudiced, visible hatred and undisguised contempt for me.

    “That the said votes and proceedings leading to the resolution contained in the said gazette wherein sanction was imposed on me is a legislative judgment.

    “That this court has the supervisory power to quash the said resolution contained in the gazette dated May 9, 2018.”

    The IGP, in the originating summons, is praying the court for “order of certiorari” quashing “the entire votes and proceedings”. leading to the “resolution contained in the gazette dated May 9, 2018.”

    He also prayed for the same order “quashing same the report of the Ad hoc Committee investigating the various allegations levelled against the applicant (Idris) that led to the said resolution contained in the gazette dated May 9, 2018.”

    The IGP equally wants the court to make “An order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents (Saraki and the Senate)” whether by itself, or through its servants or agents “from acting on the said resolution contained in the gazette dated May 9, 2018 or causing same to be acted upon by any person or authority or government agency, or carrying out similar or like resolution against the applicant.”

    He also seeks among others, “A declaration that the respondents (Saraki and the Senate) acted ultra vires its powers under section 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) in the votes and proceedings leading to the resolution contained in the gazette dated 9th May, 2018 imposing a penal sanction on the applicant…

    “A declaration that the respondents acted ultra vires its powers under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) in initiating the votes and proceedings leading to the resolution contained in the gazette dated May 9, 2018, declaring the Applicant as enemy of democracy and unf1t to hold any public office within and outside Nigeria.”

    Hearing in the case has been fixed for June 27.

  • Senate rescinds confirmation of Buhari’s INEC nominee

    The Senate Thursday rescinded its confirmation of Elder Monday Udo Tom as Resident Electoral Commissioner from Akwa Ibom State.

    Over turning the confirmation of Tom followed a motion by Senator Bassey Albert Apkan.

    The Akwa Ibom North East senator in the motion prayed the upper chamber to take a second look at the confirmation of the nominee.

    Akpan said that his motion to rescind the confirmation of Tom became necessary because it was obvious that the Senate Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission that screened the nominee and gave him a clean bill of health did not take recourse to a weighty petition against him.

    He said, “I have the report of the committee; there is no indication that the petition against the nominee was considered by the committee. The committee failed to take cognizance of the weighty petition against the nominee.

    Read Also:Senate grills two INEC nominees

    “I therefore move that the confirmation of the nominee be stepped down and the nominee referred back to the relevant committee for further legislative action in the interest of fair play.”

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Samuel Anyanwu also told the Senate that his committee received a petition against the nominee.

    Anyanwu (Imo East) said that they were waiting for the INEC committee to conclude it screening for them to consider the petition against the nominee.

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki, put the proposal to rescind the confirmation to a voice vote.

    It was unanimously adopted. Saraki referred the nominee to the INEC Committee for further legislative action.

    A source said that the thrust of the petition was that Tom is a disguised member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The nominee is also said to be an aide to former member of the House of Representatives who is now in APC.

  • Saraki has questions to answer, Police insist

    The Nigeria Police Force said it had not withdrawn its invitation to President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki to report to its office over alleged criminal indictment by five suspected gang leaders involved in the recent Offa bank robbery.

    The newsmen reports that the police on Sunday, June  3, invited Saraki for questioning over alleged criminal indictment by five suspected gang leaders alleging to be his political thugs.

    Saraki had twitted on his Twitter handle that the police had withdrawn the invitation for him to report to the Force Intelligence Response Team office in Guzape, Abuja.

    He also said that the police had asked him to respond to the questions in writing.

    The Force Spokesman, ACP Jimoh Moshood, made the disclosure while briefing newsmen on the update on the alleged indictment of Saraki on Wednesday in Abuja.

    “The Senate president is still under investigation in connection to the Offa bank robbery and the police will do everything possible to ensure that justice is done in this case,” he said.

    The spokesman said that there was no deadline for Saraki to report to the police. Moshood was also evasive from the possible action the police would take if Saraki failed to report to the police.

    He said that the force would not be cowed or succumb to intimidation from any quarter in carrying out discreet investigation on the matter.

    Moshood said that two out of the three more suspected thugs working for Saraki, mentioned by the overall gang leader of the Offa bank robbery have been arrested.

    The suspects are: Alhaji Kehinde Gobiri, 47, a.k.a. Captain and Oba Shuaib Olododo, 57, a.k.a Jawando, from Ilorin East and South Local Government Areas respectively.

    Read Also: Two more Offa robbery suspects implicated Saraki – Police

    He said that the suspects, who have admitted to the various crimes they have committed, are currently in police custody in Ilorin, Kwara.

    “They are currently under investigation and will be charged to court on completion of investigation,” he said.

    Moshood said that the arrest of the two suspects followed further confessions of the five gang leaders earlier arrested by the police.

    The five suspects are: Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibukunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salawudeen Azeez and Niyi Ogundiran. Moshood said that the two suspects were also arrested with firearms in the custody of the police in Ilorin, Kwara.

    The newsmen reports that Saraki recently alleged a plot by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, to implicate him in a criminal case.

    NAN

  • Senate seeks increased tax on plastic bags, bottles

    The Senate has called for increased tax on the production of plastic bags and bottles as part of policy review to discourage the use of plastic bags and bottles in the country.

    The lawmakers cited environmental pollution and the accompanying outbreak of diseases like cholera, Lassa fever, malaria and others, the lawmakers as some of the issues.

    The resolution came through a motion prepared by Senator Oluremi Tinubu (APC, Lagos Central) but read on her behalf by Senator Rose Oko (PDP, Cross River North) at the plenary on Wednesday.

    The lawmakers observed that indiscriminate disposal of used plastic bags, bottles, straws and other plastic derivatives has been partly responsible for flooding in many parts of the country.

    The upper chamber also urged the Federal Government to increase funding for the environment and environmental issues, with the enactment and enforcement of legislation on adequate waste disposal and recycling system in the country.

    Read Also: Senate holds public hearing on PIB

    It also sought the participation of all the states in the creation and review of policies, with the view to shedding light on the nation’s environmental issues, as well as the introduction of eco-friendly refuse bags in the country.

    The lawmakers called on the Federal Ministry of Environment and relevant agencies to ensure sensitization, particularly of the younger population on environmental issues.

    Through the motion, the senators were informed that several countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and others have introduced measures like increase in tax payable on single use bags and plastics.

    Nine other African countries, including Kenya and Rwanda were also identified as some of the countries that have introduced a ban on production, sale and importation of plastic bags.

    In his remarks the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki said the government still has a lot to do in ensuring that the environment remained safe and better for the health of the citizenry.

  • Offa Robbery: Kwara Monarch cautions police against Sensationalism

    The Oofa of Offa, Offa local government area of Kwara State Oba Muftau Gbadamosi has cautioned the police to avoid unnecessary sensationalism in the handling of the investigation into the April 5th robbery incident in the ancient town. 

    The monarch also absolved Senate President Bukola Saraki of any complicity in the robbery incident that took place in Offa.

    Oba Gbadamosi said this in a statement by his Principal Private Secretary, Dr Tajudeen Oloyede.

    He said as far the people of Offa are concerned, Saraki has taken Offa as his second home and have been supportive of all activities and development projects in the town. 

    He added: “The Senate President always heeded to our call anytime we approach him on any issue concerning the progress and security of our ancient town. 

    “The Offa people are well bred citizen of Nigeria and we are appreciative of people who have extended hands of fellowship to us.  Dr. Saraki is one such person and thus we hold him in high esteem.

    “When the Offa robbery incident happened, the Senate President was the first top public official to pay a visit to our town and right there in the Palace in the glare of the High Chiefs and other well-meaning personalities, the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Saraki put a call to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Kpotun Idris, requesting him to make necessary security arrangement which our people has long been yearning for. 

    Read Also: Offa robbery: Kwarans in heated debate over Saraki-police rift

    “The Senate President also donated substantial money to help some of our people who were in distress as a result of the robbery incident and he also made substantial contribution towards the building of a new police station.

    “We wish to state that the Senate President is a former Governor of Kwara State and by the grace of God the number three citizen of this country, we will therefore not be a party to attempt to ridicule, embarrass, denigrate and disgrace him.  We know his antecedent, family and political beliefs.

    “We therefore call on the police to be alive to their responsibility and avoid unnecessary sensationalism in the handling of the investigation into the Offa robbery incident.  We will appreciate that this case is thoroughly investigated devoid of media trial and unnecessary and undue publicity.  Our interest remain in the law taking its course against those who unleashed mayhem and violence against our people in order to prevent recurrence of such crime in our society.”

    The statement reads: “The attention of Olofa’s Palace, Offa, the traditional domain of His Royal Majesty, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, Ajagungbade I, the Olofa of Offa has been drawn to the claims made by the police at a Press conference in Abuja on 3rd of June, 2018 where some of the suspects arrested in connection with the robbery incidents which occurred in our town in April implicated Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the Senate President.  While we will not want to prejudice the investigation by the police on this case, the community will appreciate thoroughness to ensure equity and justice on the matter.

    “As far as we are concerned, Dr. Bukola Saraki has taken Offa as his second home and have been supportive of all our activities and development projects in the town.  The Senate President, always heeded to our call anytime we approach him on any issue concerning the progress and security of our ancient town.  The Offa people are well bred citizen of Nigeria and we are appreciative of people who have extended hands of fellowship to us.  Dr. Saraki is one such person and thus we hold him in high esteem.

    “When the Offa robbery incident happened, the Senate President was the first top public official to pay a visit to our town and right there in the Palace in the glare of the High Chiefs and other well-meaning personalities, the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Saraki put a call to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Kpotun Idris, requesting him to make necessary security arrangement which our people has long been yearning for.  The Senate President also donated substantial money to help some of our people who were in distress as a result of the robbery incident and he also made substantial contribution towards the building of a new police station.

    “We wish to state that the Senate President is a former Governor of Kwara State and by the grace of God the number three citizen of this country, we will therefore not be a party to attempt to ridicule, embarrass, denigrate and disgrace him.  We know his antecedent, family and political beliefs.

    “We therefore call on the police to be alive to their responsibility and avoid unnecessary sensationalism in the handling of the investigation into the Offa robbery incident.  We will appreciate that this case is thoroughly investigated devoid of media trial and unnecessary and undue publicity.  Our interest remain in the law taking its course against those who unleashed mayhem and violence against our people in order to prevent recurrence of such crime in our society.

    “Offa people will also advise the media both social and traditional mass media to be cautious and refrain from becoming instrument that can be used to tarnish the image of prominent Nigerians most especially the one targeted at the office and person of the Senate President.  We call on the media to also do a proper logical evaluation of any information passed on to them before going public with it.”

  • Senators trade tackles over confirmation of INEC nominees

    …Confirms Festus Okoye as National Electoral Commissioner

     

    There was uneasy Wednesday in the Senate over the confirmation of nominees for appointment for the position of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) resident commissioners.

    This followed the consideration of the report of the Committee on INEC on the screening of nominees for confirmation as Resident Electoral Commissioners.

    Chairman of the committee, Senator Suleiman Nazif (Bauchi North) presented the report of the committee for the consideration of the Senate.

    Trouble started with the recommendation that the nominee from Zamfara State, Ahmad Bello Mahmaud, should be rejected.

    Senator Kabiru Marafa (Zamfara Central) openly accused the screening committee of being heavy compromised to return uncomplimentary comments on Mahmud.

    Marafa insisted that he has it on good authority that the committee was compromised to turn down the nomination of Mahmud.

    He challenged the chairman of the committee to provide the affidavit in support of the petition it claimed to have received against Mahmud.

    Marafa said, “I have evidence that the committee was heavily compromised to write its report. The committee should tender the affidavit in support of the petition it claimed that was written against the nominee.”

    Read Also:Senate faults claim of ‘insubordination’ as cause of rising insecurity

    The Zamfara Central senator said that the state governor, Abdul Azeeze Yari, was behind the attempt to deny the nominee confirmation.

    He noted that contrary to the insinuation that Mahmud was not from Zamfara State, the nominee was born and bred in the state.

    Senator James Manager (Delta South) threw his weight behind Marafa.

    Manager said that as far as he was concerned, the report was incomplete.

    Before Manager could continue, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, raised a point of Order to the effect that it was unparliamentary to input improper motive against any senator.

    Ekweremadu quoted relevant sections of the standing rule of the Senate to buttress his point.

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki, agreed and ruled Marafa out of order.

    Saraki asked Marafa to withdraw the “offensive” comments as well as to apologise to Nazif.

    Marafa reluctantly withdrew his comments but refused to apologize to Nazif.

    Deputy Senate Leader, Bala Ibn Na’Allah, said that Marafa should not only withdraw his comments that the committee was comprised but also apologize to the committee chairman in his “own interest).

    Na’ Allah reminded Marafa that everything done in the chamber was being recorded.

    Marafa stood his ground and said that he was not prepared to apologize to anybody.

    It was anti-climax for the committee when Saraki put the question.

    The nomination of Mahmud was unanimously adopted by the senate.

    Saraki put the nomination to question for the second time.

    The result was a resounding ‘aye”

    The Senate President had no option than to rule that the “ayes had it”

    There was jubilation in the chamber as some senators rushed to Marafa to congratulate him for his tenacity in ensuring that the nomination of Mahmud was confirmed.

    The confirmation of the nomination of Mahmud as Resident Electoral Commissioner came after two rejections by the Senate.

    The nomination was earlier rejected on the basis of petition that he was from Sokoto State and not Zamfara State.

    Apart from Mahmud, the Senate also confirmed Mr. Monday Udo Tom from Akwa Ibom State and Attahiru Madami from Niger State as Resident Electoral commissioners.

    It also confirmed the nomination of Festus Okoye from Imo State as National Electoral Commissioner representing South East geo Political Zone.