By SANNI ONOGU, Abuja

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed six nominees for appointment as National Commissioners and one Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The confirmation followed the consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on INEC, chaired by Senator Kabiru Gaya.

The nominees confirmed are: Mal. Mohammed Haruna, National Commissioner (Niger – North Central); Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu (Delta – South-South); Ukeagu Kenneth Nnamdi (Abia – South East), and Major General A. B. Alkali (rtd) – Adamawa, (North East).

Others are Engr. (Prof.) Rhoda H. Gumus (Bayelsa – South-South), Mr. Sam Olumekan (Ondo – South West), and Olaniyi Olaleye Ijalaye (Ondo – South West), Resident Electoral Commissioner.

President Muhammadu Buhari had, in a letter dated December 10, 2021, requested the Senate to confirm the nominees.

The President had explained that the request was made pursuant to paragraph 14 of Part (1) of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Senator Gaya, in his report, said the nominees responded to the committee’s questions satisfactorily and assured of their integrity, non-partisanship, non-card-carrying membership of any political party and promised to discharge their assignments diligently and in accordance with extant laws and laid down rules.

Senate President Ahmad Lawan congratulated the nominees and urged them to live up to expectations.

He insisted that INEC has no reason not to perform creditably well after getting several supports from the National Assembly as the 2023 general elections approach.

He also said the National Assembly expects President Buhari to sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill transmitted to him on Monday for INEC to have an updated document to conduct off-circle and general elections. (The Nation)

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