Senate confirms FRC, NHRC board chairmen, members

From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s nominees for the chairmanship and membership of the boards of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

This followed the consideration of reports by the Senate Committees on Finance and on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.

Presenting the report on the FRC nominees, the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Kamarudeen Oyewumi, said the commission was critical to ensuring fiscal discipline and accountability in public finance management.

He disclosed that the committee was satisfied with the qualifications of the nominees and their attestation letters, noting that the nominee for Executive Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Saidu, had relevant experience in revenue administration.

The Senate subsequently confirmed all seven nominees to the FRC board through voice votes.

Those confirmed alongside Saidu are Muhammad Asmau Mai-Eka, representing the North-West; Muhammad Aliyu Makama, North-Central; Suleiman Gidado, North-East; Hon. Louis O. Ndukwe, South-South; Amechi Ugwele, South-East; and Olaniyi Idowu Onikola, South-West.

For the NHRC, the Senate confirmed Dr Salamatu Husaini Suleiman as chairman, while the members are Huwaila Muhammad Ibrahim, Edmund Chinonye Obiagwu, SAN, Ogunji Chidozie Kingsley, Oluwakemi Asiwaju-Okenyodo and Professor Adedeji Adekunle.

The list also includes Ayo Adewuyi, Muhammad Adelodun, Eze Anaba, Maupe Ogun-Yusuf and Patience Patrick.

Presenting the NHRC committee’s report, its chairman, Adeniyi Adegbonmire, said members unanimously agreed that the nominees were qualified to strengthen the protection and promotion of human rights in the country.

He also commended President Tinubu for appointing what he described as persons of substance to serve on the commission’s board.