BEVERLY HILLS, July 04, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday asked the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo to as a matter of urgency withdraw his statement that the National Assembly lacks the powers to confirm nominations from the President. It also advised Osinbajo to respect its rejection of nominees.
The lawmakers were reacting to a comment credited to Acting President Yemi Osinbajo that appointments made by the Executive did not require legislative approval based on Section 171 of the Constitution.
THEWILL recalls that Osinbajo had while speaking with newsmen in April expressed support for the view of Femi Falana SAN who said President Muhammadu Buhari does not need the confirmation of the Senate to retain Ibrahim Magu as head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Soon after the Senate President, Bukola Saraki read a letter from Osinbajo seeking confirmation of the nomination of Mr. Lanra Gbajabiamila as Chairman of the National Lottery Commission, Senator Sani Yerima (APC, Zamfara West) raised a Point of Order on the issue which generated hot debate from his colleagues.
Yerima wondered why Osinbajo would send a nominee to the senate after he reportedly said the upper legislative chamber did not have the power of confirmation.
The Senate requested that consideration and confirmation of appointments from the Presidency should henceforth be suspended until such matters of confirmation as contained in the Constitution were strictly adhered to, and the Executive recognises the power of the Legislature.
