By Rejoice Peterside
The Senate on Tuesday confirmed several nominees forwarded by President Bola Tinubu for appointment into key federal agencies, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
The confirmations followed the presentation and adoption of reports from the respective committees on Communications, Electoral Matters, and FERMA during plenary.
Presenting the report of the Committee on Communications, Senator Aliyu Ikra Bilbis (Zamfara Central) said the nominees were found competent and qualified to serve on the NCC Board.
Those confirmed include Chief Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe (Chairman, South West), Senator Ramoni Olalekan Mustapha, CON (Commissioner, South West), Engr. Ikechukwu Ugwuegede (Commissioner, South East), Princess Oforitsenere Emiko (Commissioner, South South), Barr. Christopher Sandy Okorie (Commissioner, South South), and Hajia Maryam Bayi (Commissioner, North East).
Before now, the Senate had already confirmed Aminu Waida (North West), Sunday Abraham Oshandami (North Central), and Rimini Haraya Makama (North).
Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) expressed appreciation to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, for relaying the concerns of the South-East to President Tinubu regarding the initial exclusion of the region from the NCC nominations.
He noted that the inclusion of Engr. Ikechukwu Ugwuegede corrected the imbalance and ensured fair regional representation.
In his remarks, Senate President Akpabio commended President Tinubu for being a listening leader. He said the President’s prompt response to the Senate’s recommendation on equitable representation demonstrated his commitment to inclusivity and national unity.
The Senate also adopted the report of the Committee on Electoral Matters, presented by Senator Simon Bako Lalong (Plateau South), confirming Professor Tella Adeniran Rahmon as Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Similarly, the report of the Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) was presented by Senator Ya’u Sahabi Alhaji (Zamfara North), leading to the confirmation of Dr. Musa Babayo as Chairman of the FERMA Board.
With Tuesday’s confirmation, the Senate reaffirmed its commitment to working with the executive arm to strengthen critical institutions that drive national development.
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