In speedy process, senate confirms Aliyu Musa as ICPC chair

The senate has confirmed Aliyu Musa as the substantive chair of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The upper legislative chamber also confirmed Saka Bolaji Suleiman and Gadji F Dantata as members of the federal judicial service commission.

The process did not take long as Aliyu only responded to one question before being told to “take a bow and go”.

Suleiman and Dantata only introduced themselves and were told to go without any questions asked.

Jibrin Barau, deputy president of the senate, drew the attention of his colleagues to the fact that Dantata is married to Ibrahim Shekarau, a former governor and senator.

Barau said he could tell that the senators wanted the privilege of being a former lawmaker to be extended to Shekarau’s wife.

Altogether, the three nominees were screened within an hour — 11:50am and 12:58pm.

The upper legislative chamber commenced the process after Opeyemi Bamidele, senate leader, moved a motion on Thursday.

While being screened, Aliyu said he would be fair and firm in the fight against corruption.

“I lived in Malaysia for three years, I know how they look at us. There is a need for us to make efforts to change the narrative,” the lawyer said.

“I want to assure you that I will live above board. We will not put people to shame unnecessarily. We will do proper investigations.

“I will be fair, firm, and humble.”

On October 17, the appointments of Aliyu and Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu as secretary of the commission, were announced by Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson.

The appointment came after Bolaji Owasanoye, outgoing chair of the ICPC, proceeded on his retirement leave.

A request by Tinubu for the senate to confirm Aliyu as the substantive ICPC chair was read on the floor of the senate on Wednesday.

The president had premised his request on section 3(6) of the ICPC act.

“In compliance to section 3(6) of the corrupt practices and other related commission (ICPC) establishment act 2000, I am pleased to present for confirmation by the senate the appointment of Mr Musa Adamu Aliyu as chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC),” he said.

Aliyu was the attorney-general of Jigawa state before his recent appointment.