From Priscilla Ediare, Ado Ekiti
The Ekiti State House of Assembly on Tuesday screened and confirmed the appointment of a retired Judge of the State High Court, Justice Cornelius Akintayo, as the new Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC).
The confirmation was after the new Chairman had briefed members of the Assembly about his vision and past contributions to the development of the state and was given the privilege of taking a bow having been found worthy of the new position by the legislators.
The ceremony which held at the plenary of the Assembly, was presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Olubunmi Adelugba, at the Assembly Complex in Ado Ekiti.
Rt Hon Adelugba hailed Governor Mr Biodun Oyebanji for forwarding the names of men and women of integrity to the legislature for confirmation for high positions in the state to drive the wheel of governance.
The Deputy Speaker, Mr Hakeem Jamiu, lawmakers representing Irepodun /Ifelodun, Mr Femi Akindele, Ekiti West 1, Mr Tajudeen Akingbolu, Ikole 2, ,Adeoye Aribasoye described the nominee as a legal icon and fit for the post.
At the plenary a bill for a law to repeal the Ekiti State Environmental Protection Agency, 2009 and re -enact the Ekiti State Environmental. Protection and Watershed Management Agency Law 2023 passed through the first reading.
Ekiti State Local Government Staff Loans Board Bill, 2023, Ekiti State Wealth Fund Bill, 2023 and Ekiti State Fire Service Bill , 2023 passed through the second reading after a thorough deliberation by the lawmakers.
The new SIEC chairman will occupy the position for a term of five years as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).