President Muhammadu Buhari has forwarded the names of 27 nominees to the Senate for confirmation as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
President Buhari’s request was read by Senate President, Bukola Saraki, at Thursday plenary. The document dated 27 February, 2017 was received by the Senate Tuesday this week.
Stakeholders have raised concern over the inability of President Buhari to appoint 33 RECs in 33 states of the federation, ahead of the February 16 2019 general election.
However, by this development, six REC positions are yet to be filled.
The President in the letter written on his behalf by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo in his capacity as Acting President, said the appointment was in compliance with Section 14 (3) (a) of the Third Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
The nominees are: Godswill Obioma (Abia), Ibrahim Abdullahi (Adamawa), Ahmad Makama (Bauchi), James Apam (Benue), Mike Igini (Delta), Nkwachukwu Orji (Ebonyi), Illoh Joseph Chuks (Enugu), Hussaini Halilu Pai (FCT), Sadiq Abubakar Musa (Kaduna), Jibrin Ibrahim Zarewa (Kano) and Asmau Sani Maikudi (Katsina).
Others are: Mahmuda Isah (Kebbi), Samuel Egwu (Kogi), Rufus Akeju (Lagos), Mustapha Zubairu (Niger), Agboke Mutiu Olaleke (Ogun), Sam Olugbadebo Olumekun (Ondo), AbdulGaniyu Olayinka Taju (Oyo), Riskuwa Shehu (Sokoto), Kasim Gana Geidam (Yobe), Ahmad Bello Mahmud (Zamfara), Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda (Plateau), Umar Ibrahim (Taraba), Francis Chukwuemeka Ezeonu (Anambra), Emeka Ononamadu Joseph (Imo), Obo Effanga (Cross River) and Briyai Frankland (Baylesa).
ENDS.