President Muhammadu Buhari has finally withdrawn the nomination of Lauretta Onochie as a National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Buhari instead asked Senate to replace Onochie with May Agbamuche as INEC Commissioner.
The development is contained in a letter from the President addressed to the Senate seeking the confirmation of the nomination of some National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners to replace the outgoing ones.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan read the letter during Tuesday’s plenary session.
The nominees are Malam Mohammed Haruna from Niger State as the North Central – National Commissioner.
Others are Mrs. May Agbamuche Mbu, Delta State, National Commissioner; and Okeagu Kenneth Nnamdi, Abia State, South East National Commissioner.
Also appointed are Major General A.B. Alkali (retd.) – Adamawa State, North East, National Commissioner; Professor Rada H. Gumus, Bayelsa State, South South, National Commissioner; Mr. Sam Olumeku, Ondo State, South West, National Commissioner; and Olaniyi Olaleye Ijalaye, Ondo State, South West (Resident Electoral Commissioner.)
President Buhari’s nomination of Mrs. May Agbamuche Mbu as INEC commissioner representing Delta State effectively ends the hopes of Lauretta Onochie.
The Senate had rejected her nomination on the grounds that it violated the principle of Federal character.
Ms Onochie, currently a presidential aide, was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2020 as an INEC commissioner to represent Delta State. ‘
Her nomination was greeted with outrage, especially from the opposition political camp.