Buhari Seeks Senate’s Confirmation of Taraba Nominee, Sambo, as Minister

•  Forwards six INEC national commissioner-nominees for approval

Deji Elumoye and Juliet Akoje in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has forwarded the name of the Taraba State nominee, Muazu Sambo, to Senate for confirmation as a minister.

The president also sought the approval of the Red Chamber for the screening and confirmation of six national commissioners and one Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The ministerial nominee, if confirmed by the upper legislative chamber, will replace Mallam Mamman Sale who was dropped as minister last September by President Buhari.

The president said that his action is in accordance with Session 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria as amended.

President Buhari’s letter seeking the confirmation of the nominee was read by the President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan, at the commencement of plenary on Tuesday.

The letter read in part: “In accordance with session 147(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I write in honor to forward for confirmation by the Senate the nomination of Muazu Jaji Sambo from Taraba State as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“It is my hope that this ambition receive the usual expeditious consideration of the Senate.

“Please accept Distinguished Senate President the assurances of my highest regard.”

The Senate President also at Tuesday plenary read another request letter from the president seeking the Senate’s confirmation of six national commissioner-nominees and one commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The six nominees are drawn from the six geopolitical zones of the nation.

The national commissioner-nominees are Muhammed Haruna, Niger State, North-central; May Agbamuche, Delta State, South-south; Utiagwu Kenneth Nnamdi, Abia State, South-east;
Major General A.B Alkali (rtd), Adamawa State, North-east; Prof. Rhoda H. Gumus, Bayelsa State, South-south; Sam Olumikun, Ondo State, South-west and Olaniyi Olaleye Ijaleye, Ondo State, South-west Resident Electoral Commissioner.