By Igho Akeregha
The stage is now cleared for officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, who will supervise all bye-elections and the 2023 general elections as the Senate confirmed a list of nominated National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners sent by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Following a report by the Committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on confirmation of the appointment of National Commissioners, the Senate had on Tuesday confirmed the nominees in accordance with the relevant provisions of the constitution.

By this confirmation, Mike Igini, a former REC in Akas Ibom state, Abubakar, Ahmed Muazu, a retired Air Vice Marshal and Prof. Okechukwu Ibeano and Mallam Sadiq Musa who performed creditably and were expected to be reappointed have lost out.

The Committee Chairman, Senator Kabiru Gaya, in his report explained that the nominees were all invited and asked questions on their part which were quite satisfactory.

Gaya said most of the nominees are accomplished Nigerians who have contributed to the national economy in their various fields of endeavors.

In his contribution, Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege commended the committee for their due diligence.

He said: “That the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the confirmation of the nominations of the following persons for appointment as National Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission.”

Omo-Agege said the election was a serious exercise in Nigeria to be left in hands of competent and serious-minded citizens which President Muhammadu Buhari eventually forwarded to the Senate.

Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, speaking on behalf of Abia Senators commended the president for recommending an Abia citizen who worked at the INEC for 34 years as a National Commissioner.

2023: ‘Presidency of Nigeria is open to all zones’

After contributions by other lawmakers in favor of the committee’s report, Senate President, Dr Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, called for confirmation of the nominees and as expected, all the nominees were confirmed.

Those confirmed are Malami Mohammed Haruna (Niger) National Commissioner, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu (Delta) – National Commissioner, Ukeagu Kenneth Nnamdi (Abia) National Commissioner, and Maj. Gen. A.B.Alkali (rtd) (Adamawa) National Commissioner.

Others are Engr. (Prof.) Rhoda H. Gumus,(Bayelsa) National Commissioner, Mr Sam Olumekun (Ondo) National Commissioner, and Olaniyi Olaleye (Ondo) Resident Electoral Commissioner.

Each National Commissioner represents their geopolitical zone, while Mr Olaniyi Olaleye will serve as the only Resident Electoral Commissioner on the list.