By Taiye Odewale Abuja
Th e Senate yesterday confi rmed eight of the 12 Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) it screened on Wednesday as demanded by President Muhammadu Buhari in his communication to it earlier in the year. Th e confi rmation followed the report of the Senate Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, chaired by Senator Nazif Suleiman (APC Bauchi North). Th e nominees confi rmed for reappointment are Sam Olugbadebo Olumekun from Ondo state; Barrister Kassim Gana Gaidam (Yobe); Jibrin Ibrahim Zarewa (Kano), Barrister Mike Igini from Delta state.
Th ose confi rmed for new appointments were Mrs. Asmau Sani Maikudi from Katsina state; Professor Riskuwa Shehu (Sokoto); Abdulganiyu Olayinka Raji (Oyo) and Professor Samuel Egwu from Kogi state. However, three of the nominees, Dr. Mahmud Isah from Kebbi State, Ahmad Bello Mahmud from Zamfara state and Ambassador (Dr.) Rufus OLoruntoyin Akeju from Lagos state had their confi rmation stood down till Tuesday next week for further legislative process, while Professor Mustapha Zubairu from Niger state was rejected by the Senate. Th e case was referred to the Senate Committee on INEC for further process and report back accordingly.
Akeju’s confi rmation was cancelled following a notice of court ruling on him announced by Senator Biodun Olujimi (PDP Ekiti South) and eff orts by the Senate Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan (APC Yobe North) and Solomon Adeola Olamilekan (APC Lagos West) to convince their colleagues on his approval failed. In his remarks, Dr. Bukola Saraki congratulated the RECsdesignate and urged them to always display high level of integrity and discipline in the discharge their duties for improved electoral system in the country. Saraki said “since the time table for the 2019 general elections has been released by INEC, the RECs should be allowed the opportunity to correct mistakes of the past in our electoral system.”
