SAN FRANCISCO, 07, (THEWILL) – The Senate on Wednesday confirmed 82-year-old Justice Sylvanus Nsofor from Imo state and two other nominees as Non-Career Ambassadors.
This was despite a report by the Department of State Services, DSS, which suggested that Nsofor was unfit to hold the office on account of his age.
The confirmation followed the presentation of the report of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on the screening of the nominees by the chairman of the committee, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu.
The other nominees confirmed by the lawmakers are: Mr Joseph Iji and Commodore Yusuf Hinna (retd) from Ondo and Gombe States respectively.
The confirmation followed a voice vote by lawmakers in support of the nominees.
Although the upper legislative chamber had rejected Nsofor’s appointment as a result of his performance during screening, President Muhammadu Buhari re-nominated him for same position.
Presenting the report of the committee, Sunmonu said the three nominees were thoroughly screened and recommended for confirmation having responded satisfactorily to questions posed by members.
She explained that the 82-year-old nominee was initially rejected by the committee because he was sarcastic and appeared frail during screening.
The committee chairman said the Presidency resent Nsofor’s name for reconsideration, adding that the nominee performed well when he appeared before the committee a second time.
She pointed out that although the DSS, in its report, said that Nsofor would not be able to perform his duties due to his advanced age, the committee resolved to give him a chance to serve.
According to her, “As opposed to being sarcastic and frail when he first appeared before us, he was looking better during his second appearance.
“Although the Directorate of State Security Services (DSS) maintained that Nsofor would not be able to perform due to his advanced age, it did not state any criminal record against him.
“We feel he should not be penalised based on age, the committee believes that since he performed better in his second appearance he should be confirmed.
“For Joseph Olusola Iji, he is well travelled and responded adequately to questions. He also displayed calmness and confidence.
“Retired Commodore Yusuf Jonga Hinna was very frank and elaborately responded to questions. He exhibited qualities worthy of an ambassador.”
