Buhari Seeks Confirmation Of Acting CJN, 4 CBN Directors, 19 INEC Nominees

President Muhammadu Buhari has written to the Senate, seeking a confirmation of the nomination of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

The president’s request was contained in a letter dated July 5, 2022, which he sent to Red Chamber.

The letter was read by the Senate president, Ahmad Lawan, at the start of plenary yesterday.

The letter reads: “Pursuant to Section 231(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I forward for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

“While I hope that the submission will be considered in the usual expeditious manner, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

Justice Ariwoola’s appointment as CJN by President Buhari was sequel to the resignation of former CJN, Muhammad Tanko, on June 27, 2022.

Though Tanko’s resignation followed a protest by 14 aggrieved Justices over issues of welfare, the former CJN, in his resignation letter, cited health grounds as reason for his decision.

In another letter to the Senate dated July 21, 2022, President Buhari requested the upper chamber to confirm the nomination of Dr. Suleiman Agha Afikpo as commissioner representing the South-East zone, at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.

He explained that the request is in accordance with the provision of Section 3(2) of the Hajj Commission Act. Cap. 321, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.

The Senate also received a request from President Buhari, to confirm the re-appointment of four nominees as Non-executive directors of the Board of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The request was contained in a latter dated July 21, 2022, and read at the start of plenary by Senate President Lawan.

The president, in the letter, explained that the request to confirm the nominees was made in accordance with Section 10(3)(a) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2007.

The nominees for confirmation include: Prof. Mike Idiahi Obadan (South South), Prof. Justitia Odinakachukwu Nnabuko (South East), Prof. Ummu Ahmed Jalingo (North East), and Mr. Adeola Adetunji (South West).

President Buhari also wrote to the Senate, requesting lawmakers to confirm 19 nominees as Resident Electoral Commissioners for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The confirmation request to the upper chamber which was contained in a letter dated July 25, 2022 was read at plenary by Senate President Lawan yesterday.

President Buhari, in the letter, said that the request for the confirmation of the nominees was in accordance with the provisions of Section 154 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

He explained that the nomination of five (5) Resident Electoral Commissioners are for renewal, while the other fourteen (14) are fresh appointments.

The nominees for confirmation include Ibrahim Abdullahi (Adamawa – Renewal); Obo O. Effanga (Cross River – Renewal); Alh. Umar Ibrahim (Taraba – Renewal); Dr. Agboke Mutiu Olaleke (Ogun – Renewal); and Prof. Samuel E. Egwu (Kogi – Renewal).

Others are Onyeka Pauline Ugochi (Imo); Prof. Muhammad Lawal Bashir (Sokoto); Prof. Ayobami Salami (Oyo); Amb. Zango Abdussamadu Abdu (Katsina); Mrs. Queen Elizabeth Agwu (Ebonyi); and Dr. Agundu Oliver Tersoo (Benue).

Also to be confirmed are Yomere Gabriel Oritsemlebi (Delta); Prof. Yahaya Makarfi Ibrahim (Kaduna); Dr. Nura Ali (Kano); Agu Sylvia Uchenna (Enugu); Ahmed Yushau Garki (FCT); Barr. Hudu Yunusa (Bauchi); Prof. Uzochukwu Ikemefuna Chijioke (Anambra); and Mohammed B. Nura (Yobe).