Senate ignores DSS report, confirms 82-year-old ambassadorial nominee

The senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Sylvanus Nsofor, an 82-year old nominee from Imo state.

A Department of State Services (DSS) report had suggested that Nsofor was unfit to hold office owing to his age.

But the upper legislative chamber confirmed his appointment after considering a report of the committee of foreign affairs.

The senate had twice rejected the appointment of Ibrahim Magu, acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), citing a DSS report.

Although the upper legislative chamber had rejected Nsofor’s appointment, President Muhammadu Buhari re-nominated him.

Two other non-career ambassadorial nominees were also confirmed. They are Joseph Iji from Ondo state and Yusuf Hinna from Gombe state.

Earlier, Monsurat Sunmonu, chairperson of the senate committee on foreign affairs, said Nsofor performed well when he appeared before the committee a second time.

Sunmonu explained that though, the DSS, in its report, said that Nsofor would not be able to perform his duties due to his advanced age, the committee resolved to give him a chance to serve.

“He was rejected and the presidency sent his name back to reconsider. Hon Justice Nsofor is 82 years old – as opposed to being sarcastic and frail when he first appeared before this committee for screening,” she said.

“The nominee answered all questions appropriately and his appearance was better than the previous one. The DSS report still maintained that he will not be able to perform the duty of an officer due to his advanced age. However, the committee believes that he should not be penalised based on age since he was able to demonstrate the necessary skills during the exercise.

“The DSS report did not state any criminal report against this candidate. Hence the committee resolved to give him a chance. The committee is satisfied with his second appearance and performance.”

She said Iji responded well when he appeared before the committee.

Sunmonu added that Hinna was “very frank and elaborately responded to questions during the screening exercise”.