Buhari gets upper hand in Senate confirmation battle

President Muhmmadu Buhari is gradually winning the battle against the confirmation of his nominees at the Senate, Daily Trust report.

There had been logjam in the confirmation of President Buhari’s nominees over the remark of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Magu.

The Senate had following Osinbajo’s remark on Magu, passed a resolution last year halting further confirmation of the President’s nominees not captured in the Constitution.

Daily Trust reports that the development had affected over 40 of the nominees until recently, when the lawmakers shifted ground.

So far, senators have rescinded their decision on three occasions. The first was on the confirmation of two deputy governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and four members of the Monetary Policy Committee.

Also, the Senate has resolved to confirm nominees of the President for the CBN governing board.

On Thursday proceeding on break, senators before Easter also resolved to confirm the President’s nominee for the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

The resolution followed consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate committee on Judiciary chaired by Senator David Umaru (APC, Niger) on the alleged resumption of office of, Anthony Ojukwu, nominated as executive secretary of the NHRC.

The committee which cleared Ojukwu of the allegation that he assumed duty through the backdoor recommended that he should be confirmed.

Umaru said, “That without prejudice to the Senate position on confirmation of nominations for appointment, the Senate may wish to urgently consider and confirm the nominee in the interest of Nigeria’s integrity and image in the comity of nations.”

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the plenary approved that the nominee be screened.

With this development, Ojukwu and some members of the CBN governing board are expected to face confirmation hearing, when the lawmakers resume from Easter break on April 10.