Despite pushback, senate confirms 19 INEC RECs

The senate has confirmed 19 nominees as resident electoral commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) — despite outrage by some citizens.

Some civil society organisations (CSOs) had kicked against the list, alleging that some nominees “are partisan and have questionable character”.

Subsequently, Femi Falana, human rights lawyer, had asked President Muhammadu Buhari to withdraw the nominees and consult with the council of state.

“After security clearance, the president is advised to comply with section 154(3) of the constitution by consulting the council of state with respect to the qualification and competence of the nominees. It is after the consultation that the names of the nominees that are qualified should be presented to the Senate for confirmation,” he had said.

In July, the president had asked the senate to confirm the nominees, some of who were reappointed.

However, the 19 nominees were confirmed after Kabiru Gaya, chairman of the senate committee on INEC, presented a report on Wednesday.

While presenting his report, Gaya said the nominees met the requirements expected of them.

The 19 nominees were confirmed after their nominations were put to a vote.

The RECs whose appointments were renewed are Ibrahim Abdullahi (Adamawa), Obo O. Effanga (Cross River), Umar Ibrahim (Taraba), Agboke Mutiu Olaleke (Ogun), and Samuel Egwu (Kogi).

The new appointments are Onyeka Pauline Ugochi (Imo), Muhammad Lawal Bashir (Sokoto), Ayobami Salami (Oyo), Zango Abdussamadu Abdu (Katsina), Queen Elizabeth Agwu (Ebonyi); and Agundu Oliver Tersoo (Benue).

Yomere Gabriel Oritsemlebi (Delta), Yahaya Makarfi Ibrahim (Kaduna), Nura Ali (Kano), Agu Sylvia Uchenna (Enugu), Ahmed Yushau Garki (FCT), Hudu Yunusa (Bauchi), Uzochukwu Ikemefuna Chijioke (Anambra), and Mohammed B. Nura (Yobe) were also on the list.