Senate confirms Buhari’s INEC nominee

The senate has confirmed Monday Tom as a resident electoral commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The upper legislative chamber also confirmed Chidi Izuwah as the director-general of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

The nominees were confirmed after Suleiman Nazif, chairman of INEC committee, and Kabiru Gaya, chairman of works committee, presented separate reports on the floor of the upper legislative chamber on Thursday.

President Muhammadu Buhari had sent the names of the nominees to the senate for approval.

While presenting their reports, Nazif and Gaya said both nominees met all the requirements expected of them.

They were confirmed after Ike Ekweremadu, deputy senate president, put the nominations to voice vote.

“I would like to congratulate elder Monday Udo Tom and I am glad that we are finally closing this chapter,” Ekweremadu said.

“This is very crucial at this point and if there are any issues regarding neutrality or independence, it is important that it is handled now as we are approaching [the elections].

“On behalf of the senate, let me congratulate Engr. Chidi Kennedy Izuwah on this confirmation. I believe that, with the deficit of infrastructure in this country, this nomination will go a long way in ensuring that certain issues are addressed.”