Buhari nominates Okoye, 25 others for INEC, NPC jobs

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday wrote the Senate seeking confirmation of Barrister Festus Okoye as National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), representing southeast geopolitical zone.

Senate President Bukola Saraki read Buhari’s letter on Okoye’s confirmation during plenary session yesterday. Two other letters of the President on confirmation were also read.

Buhari in the letter dated March 27 said he forwarded Okoye’s name in accordance with the provision of section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

Okoye is the Executive Director of the Human Rights Monitor. A barrister and solicitor at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Okoye is based in Kaduna.

In another letter, the President requested for the confirmation of Senator Abba Ali (Katsina, North West) and Mohammed Sagir (Niger, North Central) as non-legal practitioner members of the Federal Judicial Service Commission.

Saraki also read the President’s letter requesting confirmation of 23 members for the National Population Commission (NPC).

The nominees are; Nwanne Johnny Nwabuisi (Abia), Dr Clifford Zirra (Adamawa), Mr Chidi Christopher Ezeoke(Anambra), Barrister Isa Audu Buratai (Borno), Navy Captain Charles Iyam Ogwa (rtd) (Cross River), Sir Richard Odibo(Delta), Okereke Onuabuchi (Ebonyi) and Olusegun Aiyajina (Edo).

Others are Ejike Ezeh (Enugu), Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Danburam (Gombe), Prof. Uba S.F. Nnabue (Imo), Dr. Abdulmalik Mohammed Durunguwa (Kaduna), Sulaiman Ismaila Lawal (Kano), Prof. Jimoh Habibat Isah (Kogi), Dr. Sa’adu Ayinla Alanamu (Kwara), Nasir Isa kwarra (Nasarawa).

Also on the list are Barrister Aliyu Datti (Niger), Yeye (Mrs) Seyi Adererinokun Olusanya (Ogun), Prince Oladiran Garvey Iyantan (Ondo), Senator Mudashiru Oyetunde Hussain (Osun), Mrs Cecilia Arsun Dapoet ()Plateau, Dr. Ipalibo Macdonald Harry (Rivers), Sale S. Saany (Taraba). Darlington Mr A.D.