Senate clears Orji Kalu’s brother as n’assembly service commission member

The senate has confirmed Nnanna Uzor Kalu’s appointment as a member of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC).

Kalu, a former member of the house of representatives, is the younger brother of Orji Uzor Kalu, senator representing Abia north and former governor of the state.

The senate had on March 19 approved the appointment of the chairman of the NASC alongside 11 members.

However, the upper chamber deferred the confirmation of Kalu, the second nominee from the south-east, due to a petition against him.

Kalu’s confirmation was approved on Thursday following a favourable report from the senate committee on ethics, code of conduct, and public petitions.​

Neda Imasuen, chairman of the committee, said Kalu was cleared after the committee found out that his appointment was in order.

“Mr President, distinguished colleagues, this report was referred to our committee for investigation as to why we have two nominees from the same zone,” Imaseun said.

“In view of the findings, we recommend that the senate do uphold the nomination of Nnanna Uzor Kalu as commissioner south-east in the national assembly commission and also approve his screening and confirmation by the senate.”

Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president, put the question to a voice vote and there was a resounding ‘ayes’ for the confirmation.

President Bola Tinubu announced the nominations on February 20, 2025, appointing Saviour Enyiekere, representing the south-south, as the NASC chairman for a five-year renewable term.

Enyiekere, an environmental specialist, previously served as the deputy chief of staff to the senate president.

Other members are Suleiman Hunkuyi, north-west; Yusuf Yusuf, north-west; Aminu Malle, north-east; Alhaji Mahmud, north-east; Mark Terso, north-central; Salihu Balogun, north-central.

Others are Taiwo Oluga, south-west; Afeez Ipesa-Balogun, south-west; Festus Odii, south-east; Patrick Giwa, south-south; Mary Ekpenyong, south-south.