Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday confirmed three of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s nominees of cabinet rank.
The House confirmed Abiodun Ogunleye as commissioner, and also approved two others as special advisers (cabinet ranks).
Their confirmation happened during a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.
The nominees were confirmed after a unanimous voice vote by the lawmakers.
Politics in Nigeria is like a game of chess, where the rush and excitement is thick at the beginning of a new game, as experienced players make brisk and familiar moves to open their game. The action soon slows down as the game progresses, and more studied moves may be required. Perhaps, one can liken this to the euphoria of election results and the (re-)inauguration of the winner’s government. In other words, the frenzy that greeted the 2019 elections may have piped down in the minds of Nigerians, but the excitement in government circles is still palpable. ‘Chess moves’ have been made since the elections, and those moves continue even as I write.
Nigerians are now eagerly waiting for their new ministers. And mind you, the time or ‘season’ of ministerial appointments is like a call for bazaar. Although President Muhammadu Buhari said that he would choose people that he is familiar with, the game remains the same. Based on the president’s word and his seeming eagerness to choose those he can really work with, it is assumed that the 43 names sent out for senate screening recently are names of people he can really vouch for. But this may not be so. Before many (or all) of the names finally made it to the list, a lot of water may have passed under the bridge.
My eye opener came when a former governor, now an elder statesman, told me last weekend that those close to the president may have ‘grilled’ the nominees to know if they will tow their lines if they make it to the list. At least, he said, that is the way things have always been done. Such grilling, according to him, could include some inducements. In addition, the nominees may be made to pledge to play ball even after getting the nod.
According to the ex-governor, when the names are finally submitted to the senate, the nominees are exposed to the second part of the racket. This time, some unofficial agents could spring up to ‘advise’ that certain things should be set aside for the screening proper. This, as they would claim, would go to those that would be involved in the final screening. Other committees and principal officers of the senate who will confirm their eligibility or otherwise may not also be left out.
While all the racketeering is going-on, the president may be made to believe that he has made the right choice of cabinet members without the least suspicion that he has only been made to indirectly support the candidates of other people. This is why the president’s comment about “people familiar to him” may be a leap. Also, with the structure of Nigerian politics, names usually come in from every state, picked by the state governor or some other more favoured power brokers.
The elder statesman who provided this expose particularly narrated how he was urged to become an ambassador some years back. He said when he considered his age and all that, he declined. However, rather than lose the slot, he requested that he should be allowed to nominate somebody whom he thought was capable and knowledgeable enough to occupy such a post. He finally nominated one brilliant school principal that he knew very well. He said that he was shocked when the man came back to inform him that he was asked to cough out a frightening sum of money for screening.
The principal, being a conservative man, told his nominator that he sat down to calculate what he would make in the four years that he would be an ambassador and discovered that his emoluments during the period would be a far-cry from what was requested from him for ‘screening’. The man simply decided to continue as principal rather than break his neck running around looking for upfront kickbacks in order to be made an ambassador. That is the trend in the appointment of senior officials in Nigeria.
Although ministers are chosen from all states, the same system probably applies, either directly to the nominees or to those backing them. Either way, ‘something’ may have changed hands at some point in the process, and the godfather, will only join the growing list of vested interests that sometimes hinder a minister or other appointee from carrying out his/her duty judiciously.
Besides the possible racket that may have gone on behind the scenes, the evidence before the eyes of the public is not encouraging either. Over half of the 43 ministerial nominees that were recently screened by the senate were asked to “bow and go”. Where exactly are they going to? However, this trend, which has been described as a “tradition”, did not begin with the 9th Senate. One senator claimed that the house had resolved to automatically confirm all ex-lawmakers, ex-governors, women and, apparently, those who have been vouched for by one senator or the other, without any regard to their competence or otherwise.
I specifically recall seeing a clip recorded during this last senate screening, where a senator from Enugu State laboured so hard to sell a nominee to his colleagues. He suddenly launched into a recanting of the similarity between his family and that of the ministerial nominee. He jokingly reeled out real or made-up traditional titles of the nominee, in a bid to convince his colleagues to pass him without any scrutiny. This, he did, despite the fact that Nigerians still cannot precisely point out what policy the nominee initiated in the past four years as a minister. Other senators openly and shamelessly sought the same treatment for nominees considered to be “party men” or the “president’s man”.
Even when some lawmakers tried to pose questions to the nominees, others in their rank complained audibly about being tired. They simply said “let him/her bow and go, so we can finish”. These antics do not really portray our lawmakers as those who know what their job is or ones who are ready to take it serious. Only nominees like Babatunde Fashola, and some others, were put to the test with questions that suggest that the senators can find their rhythm if they so choose. Such is the nature of screening in this clime.
Perhaps the possibility of racketeering behind the scenes and the reality of a rubber stamp senate somehow explain why we have not always gotten it right at that level. Some names, that gladly did not make it back on the list of nominees, especially prove this point. Even some that did make the list makes one wonder if the racketeering is not, indeed, going on right under Mr President’s nose.
For instance, how can one justify the addition of people who are known to have cases with the anti-graft agencies hanging over their heads? Some of the nominees have had controversies of all kinds trailing them through their political lives. Some are also dogged by allegations of using calculated membership of the ruling party to shield themselves against proper prosecution. In law, it is said that it is not only important for justice to be done, but also for it to be seen to have been done. With what the public can see, it does not seem like justice was done to the recent ministerial appointments and subsequent confirmation.
The list of ministers, especially the returning ones, shows that not much has changed. And whatever the chess game was in 2015, the same tactics are being employed again in 2019. This means that the results we have had these past four years will most likely be the same. While the screening lasted, it was clear that what the lawmakers did was to give each nominee a piece of candy to lick, instead of really grilling them hard. May God save Nigeria!
DEMOCRATIC Republic of Congo-born international recording artiste and rapper, Maître Gims and South Africa’s fast rising songstress and songwriter, Shekhinah, have received seven nominations each to emerge highest nominated artistes for the 5th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).
This was reflected in the AFRIMA’s highly anticipated full list of the Regional and Continental categories of the annual awards scheme, released on Tuesday.
Closely following these top contenders are Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz and Ethiopia’s Betty G who, each, earned six nominations; while Simi (Nigeria) and Nasty C
(South Africa) got on the 5th AFRIMA nominees list with five nominations each.
AFRIMA rewards the continent’s music professionals in 36 Regional and Continental categories, including four new awards categories namely African DJ of the Year; Best African Dance/Choreography; African Lyricist/Rapper of the Year and Best African Act in Diaspora, introduced in June 2018 by the African Union and the International Committee of AFRIMA to give room for expansion and inclusiveness in the African music industry.
The Regional Category, which consists of Best Female artistes and Best Male artistes in the five regions of Africa, features 79 nominees while the continental category which honours exceptional work in different African music genres, boasts of 260 nominees with both categories making up a total number of 339 music professionals and songs nominated for the 2018 edition of the continental awards.
“This year, through the 8,009 entries submitted by African music professionals across the globe and the painstaking work of the International Jury of AFRIMA embodied by 13 renowned African music and culture professionals assessing the submitted entries, the 5th AFRIMA Nominees List has remained true to the AFRIMA tradition of discovering authentically fresh African voices and music while also recognising the hard work and diligence of consistent chart topping music makers,” says AFRIMA CEO, Mike Dada.
Acording to an AFRIMA Juror representing Eastern Africa, Mr. Tabu Osusa; “This year, AFRIMA registered a record number of entries in its competition. We were very pleased to notice that mostly new talents have entered the competition. The 13 jurors had a hard task going through over 8000 talented and creative entries. It resulted in heated sessions and far from unanimous decisions. Being an odd number of jurors revealed to be a blessing allowing us to make decisions by the majority. After a lot of sweat, long discussions and late hours, the jurors designated the best artistes in each given genre. It is now up to the public to go through this process and help to find the new African talents!”
Leading the nomination pack, Maître Gims’ has received nods for Album of the Year (for his March 2018 released ‘Ceinture Noire’ album); Artiste of the Year, Best Artiste in African Pop, Song of the Year, Song Writer of the Year, Best African Collaboration and Best Male Artiste in Central Africa.
Nigeria’s Simi has earned five nominations namely: Album of the Year (For Simisola’ released in September 2018), Artiste of the Year, Song Writer of the Year, Best Artiste in African Pop, and Best Female Artiste in Western Africa.
Public voting is open onfrom today, where both continental and regional nominees in the 36 AFRIMA awarding categories will compete against one another for the coveted 23.9 carat gold-plated AFRIMA Trophy. Nominees will depend on their fans and followers spread across the globe to vote for them in an open voting process via www.afrima.org
In its fifth year, AFRIMA, is scheduled to hold in late November 2018, other activities scheduled for the main awards events include the Africa Music Business Summit, a combination of musical conference and trade expo where stakeholders in the creative and arts industry come together to discuss the business of music in Africa. There is also the AFRIMA Music Village, a music concert and cultural festival which accommodates over 40,000 music lovers across the continent who will witness live performances from their favourite African artistes.
Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed yesterday submitted 19 names for commissioners to the House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.
Deputy Speaker Matthew Okedare read the governor’s letter at plenary.
The governor called for a quick confirmation of the nominees to hasten implementation of his policies and programmes.
Okedare directed the Clerk, Ahmed Katsina, to ensure that the nominees complete documentation on or before next Tuesday.
Ahmed dissolved the former Executive Council on December 20.
The nominees include Ademola Banu (Irepodun); Eleja Banu (Ilorin West); Ahmed Edu and Uhman Rifun (Patigi); Amos Justus (Ekiti); Sabi Baba Isiak (Baruteen).
The Anambra State House of Assembly has begun screening commissioner-nominees sent to it by Governor Willie Obiano.
Obiano retained eight of the aides, who worked with him in his first tenure, but dropped his Commissioner for Information, Tony Nnacheta.
The perception is that Nnacheta did not do well.
A lawmaker, who pleaded for anonymity, said they would not delay the list as those proposed were eminently qualified.
He added that the nominees are as good as cleared already, saying the House is likely to confirm them today to enable the governor swear them in.
When The Nation visited the House of Assembly complex yesterday, the screening was going smoothly in the office of the Deputy Speaker, Hayford Oseke, who chairs the screening committee.
The returnee commissioners are Mrs. Uju Nwogu (Anaocha – Ministry of Justice); Ifeatu Onejeme (Awka South – Finance); Mark Okoye (Dunukofia – Economic Planning and Budget); Greg Obi (Nnewi South – Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs), among others.
•As African Union lauds jurors
The 13-man Jury of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, on Tuesday, unveiled the nominees list for the 2017 edition.
The event which held at the Renaissance Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, had officials of the African Union Commission, past AFRIMA winners and nominees in attendance.
The Best Female Artistes and Best Male Artistes of the five regions have been released while the nominees in the continental categories will be announced on Friday, August 11, 2017.
Ms Angela Martins, Head, Culture Division, African Union Commission, AUC, noted that the adjudication process was a comprehensive and superb work of the jurors.
She said: “This robust submission this year clearly shows the appreciation and recognition of the music awards.’’
Martins noted that the AUC is geared towards investing in the youth by involving them in the African Union’s 2063 Agenda, which intends to make the youth evolve a desire and expertise in the needed developmental facets of Africa in all areas. She also reiterated the AU and AFRIMA’s objectives of unity among African artistes and the need for continental integration while celebrating its rich music and heritage.
Public voting for the nominees in the different categories of the awards is expected to open on August 21, 2017 on www.afrima.org.
Lineup of events for AFRIMA 2017 such as Music Village and the AFRIMA Music Business Summit are slated for November 10-12, 2017 and will be broadcast across 84 countries around the world.
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has withdrawn the appointment of two nominees for the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).
The government, in a statement last Tuesday by the Director (Press) in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Bolaji Adebiyi, appointed 14 members and chairman for ICPC.
But, a message on the Twitter handle of the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, said yesterday the appointments of the two nominees, which was subject to confirmation of the Senate, have been withdrawn due to allegations and petitions against them.
The message, however, did not mention the names of the two nominees.
The postings reads: “We are stepping down two of the new ICPC board nominees, who have ongoing investigation issues with the commission as this presents a conflict.
“While existence of allegations or petitions against someone shouldn’t necessarily disqualify them from considerations for appointments, this case presents a peculiarity as we have confirmed that the agency in which they are to serve is indeed investigating the two of them.”
The names of the nominees released on Tuesday are Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye as chairman. Members include Dr. Grace N. Chinda, Okolo Titus M, Obiora Igwedebia, Mrs. Olubukola Balogun, Group Captain Sam Ewang (rtd).
Other members are Justice Adamu Bello, Hannatu Mohammed, Abdullahi Maikano Saidu, Dr. Sa’ad Alanamu, Yahaya Umar Dauda, Khamis Ahmed Mailantarki and Maimuna Aliyu.
Prof. Musa Usman Abubakar was to serve as secretary in the ICPC.
•Wizkid, Mr. Eazi, Davido, Diamond Platnumz, Tekno, others make list
Organisers of African Muzik Magazine Award, otherwise called AFRIMMA Awards & Music Festival, have released the much anticipated nominees list for the 4th edition of the show holding on October 8, 2017 in Dallas, Texas, United States.
Touted as the biggest African music event in the Diaspora, the show, this year, hosts an impressive calibre of potential winners, including Wizkid, Tekno, Mr Eazi, Davido, Runtown, Ray Vanny, Fally Ipupa, Flavour and other acts on the continent who have all earned the nomination gongs for the year in review.
New offerings for the year, according to AFRIMMA Founder and CEO of Big A Entertainment, Mr. Anderson Obiagwu, includes new stars like Dremo, Kadejevera DJ, Hiro, and Mr Leo who have all done well for the year; a more prestigious venue – ‘House of Blues’; and two new categories – Best Lusophone and Best Francophone.
…Wizkid, Mr. Easi, Davido, Diamond Platnumz, Tekno, others make list
Organisers of African Muzik Magazine Award, otherwise called AFRIMMA Awards & Music Festival, have released the much anticipated nominees list for the 4th edition of the show holding on October 8, 2017 in Dallas, Texas, United States.
Touted as the biggest African music event in the Diaspora, the show, this year, hosts an impressive calibre of potential winners, including Wizkid, Tekno, Mr Eazi, Davido, Runtown, Ray Vanny, Fally Ipupa, Flavour and other acts on the continent who have all earned the nomination gongs for the year in review.
New offerings for the year, according to AFRIMMA Founder and CEO of Big A Entertainment, Mr. Anderson Obiagwu, includes new stars like Dremo, Kadejevera DJ, Hiro, and Mr Leo who have all done well for the year; a more prestigious venue – ‘House of Blues’; and two new categories – Best Lusophone and Best Francophone.
“As we countdown to October 8th, 2017 for the star-studded show, check out the nominees list and other information on www.afrimma.com and vote for your favourite artistes,” said Obiagwu.
Full list of nominees for AFRIMMA 2017
Best Male West Africa
Best Female West Africa
Tiwa Savage – Nigeria
Yemi Alade – Nigeria
Efya – Ghana
Adiouza – Senegal
Becca – Ghana
Josey – Ivory Coast
Mz Vee – Ghana
Simi – Nigeria
Almok – Togo
Best Male East Africa
Eddy Kenzo – Uganda
Diamond Platnumz – Tanzania
Jacky Gosee – Ethiopia
Ali Kiba – Tanzania
Navio – Uganda
Bebe Cool – Uganda
Sauti Sol – Kenya
Dynamq – South Sudan
Nyashinski – Kenya
Darasa – Tanzania
Best Female East Africa
Victoria Kimani – Kenya
Vanessa Mdee – Tanzania
Ester Aweke – Ethiopia
Avril – (Kenya)
Lady Jaydee (Tanzania)
Knowles Butera – Rwanda
Irene Ntale – Uganda
Akothee – Kenya
Dayna Nyange – Tanzania
Best Male Central Africa
Fally Ipupa – Congo
Hiro – Congo
Ferre Golla – DRC
C4 Pedro – Angola
Stanley Enow – Cameroon
Anselmo Ralph – Angola
Maitre Gims – (Congo)
Werrason – DRC
Mr Leo – Cameroon
Best Female Central Africa
Laurette La Perle – Congo
Betty Akna – Equitorial Guinea
Syssi Mananga – Cameroon
Ary – Angola
Rennis – Cameroon
Arielle T – Gabon
Mani Bella – Cameroon
Nsoki – angola
Daphne – Cameroon
Best Male Southern Africa
Donald – South Africa
Black Coffee – South Africa
The Dogg – Namibia
Jah Prayza – Zimbabwe
Nasty C – South Africa
Emtee – South Africa
Roberto – Zambia
Casper Nyomvest- South Africa
Aka – South Africa
Best Female Southern Africa
Babes Wodumo – South Africa
Miss Lira – South Africa
Ice Queen Cleo – Zambia
Lizha James – Mozambique
Pah Chihera – Zimbabwe
Sally Boss Madam – Namibia
ahara – South Africa
Chikune – Namibia
Bucie- South Africa
Best Male North Africa
Amr Diab – Egypt
Tamer Hosny – Egypt
Chawki – Morocco
Ahmed Soultan – Morocco
Douzi – Morocco
Ayman Alatar- Morocco
Khaled -Algeria
Saber Rebai – Tunisia
Best Female North Africa
Samira Said – Morrocco
Ibtissam Tiskat – Morocco
Angham – Egypt
Sandy – Egypt
Amal Maher – Egypt
Latifa – Tunisia
Amani Swissi – Tunisia
Sarah Ayoub – Morocco
Best African Group
Sauti Sol – Kenya
Radio & Weasel – Uganda
Toofan – Togo
Bracket – Nigeria
Mi Casa – South Africa
R2bee’s – Ghana
Best Life Music – Burundi
Yamoto Band – Tanzania
Forca Suprema- Angola
Crossing Boundaries With Music Award
C4 Pedro (Angola)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Young Paris – (Congo)
French Montana- Morocco
MHD – Guinea Conakry
Ayo Jay – Nigeria
King Kanja – (Kenya)
Wale (Nigeria )
Jidenna (Nigeria)
Maleek Berry (Nigeria)
Best Gospel
Frank Edwards – Nigeria
Uche Agu – Nigeria
Willy Paul – Kenya
SP Koffi Sarpong – Ghana
Icha Kavons – Congo
Ntokozo Mbambo – South Africa
Nathaniel Bassey – Nigeria
Sonnie Badu – Ghana
Best Newcomer
Dremo – Nigeria
Medikal – Ghana
Ray Vanny – Tanzania
Preto Show- Angola
Maleek Berry – Nigeria
Mr Leo – Cameroon
Nathi – South Africa
Julz – Ghana
Niniola – Nigeria
Zani Challe – Malawi
Artist of The Year
Flavour (Nigeria)
Diamond Platnumz ( Tanzania)
Fally Ipupa- Congo
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)
Davido – (Nigeria)
Eddy Kenzo – Uganda
Tekno – Nigeria
Mr Eazi – Nigeria
C4 Pedro – Angola
Dancehall Act of the Year
Timaya – Nigeria
Stonebwoy – Ghana
Jah Prayza – Zimbabwe
Burna Boy – Nigeria
Samini – Ghana
Patoranking – Nigeria
Shatta Wale – Ghana
Buffalo Souljah- Zimbabwe
Best Video Director
Daps – Nigeria
Justin Campos – South Africa
Sesan – Nigeria
Clarence Peters – Nigeria
Patrick Elis- Nigeria
Shammack -Cameroon
Enos Olik – Kenya
Savy Filmz – Uganda
Avalon Okpe- Nigeria
Godfather- South Africa
Best Dj Africa
Dj Spinall – Nigeria
Dj Joe MFalme – Kenya
Dj Black Coffee – South Africa
Dj Exclusive – Nigeria
Dj Kalonje – Kenya
Dj D-Ommy – Tanzania
Dj Paulo Paulo Alves – Angola
Dj Crème Delacreme- Kenya
DJ Nyce- Ghana
Best African Dj USA
Dj Tunez – Nigeria
Dj Wagura – Ethiopia
Dj FreshyK- Nigeria
Dj Deemoney – Nigeria
Dj Silent Killa – Carribeans
Dj Akua – Ghana
Dj Fully Focus -Kenya
Dj Rell – Sierra Leone
Dj Poison Ivy – Kenya
Dj Mike Kiss- Carribeans
AFRIMMA Video of The Year
Toofan – Terre (Togo)
Davido – If (Nigeria)
Wizkid – Come Closer (Nigeria)
Runtown – Mad Over You (Nigeria)
Casper Nyovest – Tito Mboweni (South AFrica)
Emtee ft Nasty C – Winning (South Africa)
Diamond Platnumz ft Ray Vanny – Salome (Tanzania)
Victoria Kimani ft Donald – Fade Away(Kenya/South Africa)
Fally Ipupa – Eloko Iyo (Congo)
C4 Pedro ft Sautisol- Love again (Angola/Kenya)
Wande Coal ft Dj Tunez – Iskaaba (Nigeria)
Music Producer of The Year
Dj Breezy – Nigeria
Masterkraft – Nigeria
Dr Fizol – Uganda
Julz – Ghana
Visita – Kenya
Tweezy – South Africa
Tud Thomas – Tanzania
Krissbeatz – Nigeria
Del B – Nigeria
Sidikiba Diabate – Mali
Best African Dancer
Kaffy Dancequeen – Nigeria
Korra Obidi – Nigeria
Nabile Danser – South Africa
Sherri Silver – Rwanda
La Petite Zota – Ivory Coast
Manuel Canza Laurenzo – Angola
Moses Iyobo – Tanzania
Brenda Derry – Cameroon
Ghetto Triplet Kids(Uganda)
Eddie Wizzy Dances (Uganda)
Best Rap Act
Phyno – Nigeria
Olamide – Nigeria
Aka – South Africa
Sarkodie – Ghana
Casper Nyovest – South Africa
King Kaka Sungura – Kenya
Octopizzo – Kenya
Prodigio – Angola
Falz – Nigeria
Best Collaboration
Wizkid ft Chris Brown- African Bad girl (Nigeria/USA)
Diamond Platnumz ft Neo – Marry you (Tanzania/USA)
Babe Wodumo ft Mampinsta – Wololo (South Africa)
Ycee ft Maleek Berry – Juice (Nigeria)
Runtown ft Sarkodie – Painkiller(Nigeria/Ghana)
Davido ft Nasty C – Coolest Kid in Africa(Nigeria/South Africa)
Edy Kenzo ft Alaine – Addicted (Uganda/Jamaica)
C4 Pedro ft Sautisol- Love again (Angola/Kenya)
Darasa ft Ben Pol- muziki (Tanzania)
Fally Ipupa ft Booba- Kinane (Congo)
Song of The Year
Runtown – Mad over you (Nigeria)
Davido – if (Nigeria )
Diamond Platnumz ft Rayvanny – Salome (Tanzania)
Babe Wodumo ft Mampintsha – Wololo (South Africa )
Wizkid – Come Closer(Nigeria)
Caspper Nyovest – Tito Mboweni(South Africa)
Fally Ipupa – Eloko Iyo(Congo)
Toofan – Terre (Togo)
Darasa ft Ben Pol – Muziki (Tanzania)
MHD- Bravo (Guinea Conakry)
Best Lusophone
C4Pedro- Angola
Nsoki – Angola
Ary- Angola
Yola Semedo- Angola
Yasmine (Guinea)
Calema (Sao Tome)
Anselmo Ralph- Angola
Nelson Freitas- Cape Verde
Mr Bow- Mozambique
Djodje- Cape Verde
Best Francophone
Sidikiba Diabate – Mali
Moh Dediouf – Guinea Conakry
Dj Arafat – Ivory Coast
Toofan – Togo
Hiro- Congo
Fally Ipupa – Congo
Maitre Gims – (Congo)
Adiouza – Senegal
Daphne – Cameroon
Serge Beynaud – Ivory Coast
BEST SOUND ENGINEER
MixMonster- Nigeria
Suka sounds- Nigeria
Ogopa Brothers- Kenya
Tud Thomas- Tanzania
Sheyman- Nigeria
Kaywa- Ghana
Tweezy – South Africa
Bebe Philip – Ivory Coast
The Senate yesterday explained that media reports that it had softened its position on the confirmation of presidential nominees were not correct.
It followed a Point of Order raised by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) on the actual position of the Senate on confirmation of nominees.
Abaribe noted that if the Senate had actually soft-pedaled on confirmation of nominees as reported, the pending confirmation of Abia State nominee for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) should be carried.
But, the Senate President Bukola Saraki, who quoted Sections 153(f) of 1999 Constitution (as amended), said the Senate had resolved to foreclose all confirmation requests.
He noted that there were confirmation requests specifically listed by the Constitution for the Senate to confirm.
Saraki said the confirmation of ministerial nominees, ambassadorial nominees, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Chairman and Resident Electoral Commissioners of Independent National Election Commission (INEC), were clearly stated in the Constitution for the Senate to carry out.
He said resolution to suspend confirmation requests was specifically targeted at requests created by Acts of Parliament because there were issues to resolve.
But, the Senate yesterday turned down the nomination of Prof. Mustapha Zubairu for confirmation for appointment as a REC.
The confirmation of three other nominees – Ambassador Rufus Olofuntoyin Akeju (Lagos State), Dr. Mahmuda Isah (Kebbi State) and Ahmed Mustapha Zubairu (Zamfara State) – was stepped down for further legislative work.
The nomination of eight others, including Dr. (Mrs.) Asmau Sani Maikudi (Katsina) (new appointment); Sam Olugbadebo (Ondo) (reappointment); Professor Riskuwa A. Shehu (Sokoto) (new appointment); Kasim Gana Geidam (Yobe) (reappointment); Jibrin Ibrahim Zarewa (Kano) (reappointment); Abdulganiyu Olayinka Raji (Oyo)(new appointment); Professor Samuel G. Egwu (Kogi) new appointment and Barrister Mike A. Igini (Delta) (reappointment) were confirmed.
The Senate rejected the nomination of Zubairu (Niger State) because he hails from the same area with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Federal Commissioners, Mohammed Haruna.
On Akeju’s nomination, Senator Biodun Olujimi drew the attention of the Senate to unfavourable court pronouncement on the Lagos State nominee.
Akeju was cleared by the Senate Committee on INEC that screened the nominees.
Senator Solomon Adeola (Lagos West) put up strong argument to sway the Senate to confirm Akeju.
He told his colleagues that his nomination was not a fresh appointment, but a reappointment.
The senator noted that it was on record that Akeju served the country creditably during his first appointment and should, therefore, be confirmed as nominated.
Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan also prayed the Senate to confirm the nominees.
The nomination of Akeju, he said, was a clear case of reappointment.
Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, however, noted that even though he agreed that the nominees should be confirmed, the Senate should not ignore court pronouncement on a nominee.
Nwaoboshi said: “There is a judicial pronouncement on the candidate. We should not ignore it. Let us look at the court ruling. If the court said the candidate cannot hold the office, we cannot ignore it.”
Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu said it would be wrong for the Senate to sit in the chamber as an Appeal Court over the ruling of a high court.
When Senate President Bukola Saraki put it the matter to vote, the confirmation of Akeju was defeated.
For Isah and Mahmud, their confirmation was stepped down for further legislative consultations.