The Senate on Thursday confirmed the nomination of Prof. Shuaibu Abdulraheem as the Chairman of the Federal Character Commission for a second term of four years.
The Senate also confirmed Dr. Femi Ogunsola (Kwara), Isibor Ifaluyi (Edo) and Adaeze Idigo-Izundu (Anambra) as members of the commission.
The confirmation followed the Senate’s approval of the recommendation of its Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, which screened the nominees.
The Chairman of the committee, Senator Awaisu Kuta (PDP-Niger), told the Senate that the nominees were found to possess the qualification, character and experience for appointment into the FCC.
Senators Bukola Saraki and Shabba Lafiagi, who also hail from Kwara State, rejected the nomination of Abdulraheem, while Senator Simeon Ajibola supported it.
The Senate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume (APC-Benue), argued that since two Kwara State senators had rejected Abdulraheem, the Senate should do the same.
However, the Senate Deputy Leader, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP-Bauchi), described Abdulraheem as “vastly experienced in the implementation of federal character”.
Ningi said that the principle of federal character was a sensitive issue and required the expertise of a man like the chairmanship nominee to oversee proper implementation.
“Federal character is a very serious matter in this country and we need someone with exemplary character and professional integrity to handle this sensitive matter,” Ningi argued.
Senator Esther Nenadi (PDP-Kaduna) and Senator Barnabas Gemade (PDP-Benue) while supporting the nomination, advised the chairman designate to do his job in “a manner that would benefit the wider majority of Nigerians”.
The Senate President, Senator David Mark, while ruling on the confirmation, cautioned the lawmakers to avoid taking decisions based on sentiments.
Mark urged the new appointees to discharge their duties in accordance with the principle of federal character for the overall benefit of Nigerians.
He said: “We should always take decisions that will stand the test of time and I believe that we have taken the right decision in this particular instance.
“We should, as much as possible, avoid a situation where we transfer local politics unto the floor here.
“We must not and we should never sacrifice merit and efficiency on the altar of local politics.
“The whole commission must operate within the ambit of the federal character and what they do must demonstrate that in its entirety.”
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