Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Statement from Chibuzo Okereke
- Details of the Confirmation Process
- Procedural Flaws Noted
Legislative consultant and public policy analyst, Chibuzo Okereke, has criticized the Senate’s confirmation process for the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, labeling it as procedurally flawed and hastily conducted.
Okereke made these remarks on Thursday during an interview on ‘Prime Time’, a program aired on Arise Television, which was monitored by DAILY POST.
He pointed out that the confirmation process, which took approximately two hours, did not adhere to multiple provisions of the Senate Standing Orders.
“Typically, under Order 117A, when the President nominates a candidate for a recognized position such as INEC Chairman, the nominee should be referred to the appropriate committee — in this case, the Committee on Electoral Matters.
“However, the presiding officer merely read the letter and referred it to the Committee of the Whole without a motion or debate. He does not possess that discretion under the Order,” he stated.
He emphasized that crucial procedural requirements, including the verification of the nominee's asset declaration and the authentication of academic qualifications, were overlooked.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main criticism of the Senate's confirmation process?
The main criticism is that the confirmation process for the new INEC Chairman was procedurally flawed and rushed, failing to follow several provisions of the Senate Standing Orders.
What specific procedural requirements were not met during the confirmation?
Important procedural requirements, such as the verification of the nominee's asset declaration and the authentication of academic qualifications, were not addressed during the confirmation process.
