On Thursday, the Senate conducted screenings and subsequently confirmed the appointments of three additional Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Dr. Bunmi Omoseyincemi, selected to serve in Lagos, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha designated for Rivers, and Abubakar Dambo chosen for Zamfara, underwent the scrutiny process, attaining approval for their roles in managing electoral affairs.
Preceding this, the Red Chamber had previously validated seven RECs during the Wednesday session. The seven confirmed members include Etekamba Umoren, appointed for Akwa Ibom; Isah Shaka Ehimeakne, assigned to Edo; Oluwatoyin Babalola, entrusted with Ekiti; Abubakar Ahmed Ma’aji, chosen for Gombe; Shehu Wahab, selected for Kwara; Prof. Mohammed Yelwa, designated for Niger. Additionally, among the previously confirmed RECs were Anugbum Onuoha, assigned to Rivers; Isma’ila Kaura Moyi, designated for Zamfara; Bunmi Omoseyindemi, selected for Lagos; and Aminu Kasimu Idris, appointed for Nasarawa.
President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday forwarded the names of 10 RECs to the Senate for confirmation.
A mild drama ensued on Thursday during the screening of the three remaining appointees.
The drama started when the President of the Senate, Godswilll Akpabio, who vouched for the good character of the nominees, revealed that someone slipped a note to him referring to Omoseyidemi as “Babalawo”, a local parlance meaning herbalist in Nigeria.
In response, Omoseyindemi noted he studied traditional medicine at the University of Ibadan. He also stated that he attended the College of Nursing, University of Lagos established a medical facility in the state.
