Senate confirms Eze Anaba, 17 others for NHRC, FRC boards

The Senate, yesterday, confirmed the appointment of President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Eze Anaba, alongside 17 other nominees to the governing councils of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC).

The confirmation followed the consideration and adoption of separate reports by the Senate Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, and Finance, during Wednesday’s plenary.

Of the 18 nominees confirmed, 11 were appointed to the NHRC Governing Council, including its Chairman, Dr Salamatu Suleiman, while seven, including Dr Abdullahi Saidu as Chairman, were confirmed for the FRC Board.

Presenting the report on the NHRC nominations, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, said the committee conducted its screening on October 27, following the referral of the nominations by the Senate.

Adegbonmire said the committee thoroughly examined the nominees’ curriculum vitae, educational qualifications, professional backgrounds and other supporting documents before arriving at its recommendations.

He explained that the committee was satisfied with their experience, competence and exposure to human rights issues, adding that they possessed the qualities required to discharge the responsibilities of the commission.

The lawmaker consequently urged the Senate to approve their appointments.

Seconding the motion, Senator Ekong Samson said the nominees were qualified to strengthen the protection and promotion of fundamental human rights in Nigeria.

Samson stressed that human rights transcended political, ethnic and geographical boundaries and remained fundamental to human dignity and democratic governance.

He said the calibre of nominees reflected the importance attached to the commission’s responsibilities and commended President Bola Tinubu for selecting individuals he described as men and women of substance.

Those confirmed alongside Suleiman were Hauwaila Ibrahim, Edmund Obiagwu, Ogunji Kingsley, Oluwakemi Okenyoodo, Adedeji Adekunle, Ayo Adewuyi, Mohammed Adelodun, Eze Anaba, Maupe Ogun-Yusuf and Patience Udoh.

Anaba, who is serving as President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, brings to the commission decades of journalism experience, particularly in editorial leadership, public accountability and the defence of press freedom.

His appointment comes at a time when the commission faces continuing expectations to strengthen the protection of citizens’ rights, respond to allegations of abuses and promote accountability among public institutions.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio congratulated the newly confirmed chairman and members of the NHRC Governing Council, expressing hope that they would discharge their responsibilities with fairness and a commitment to justice.

He also commended the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for the expeditious handling of the screening exercise.

In a related development, the Senate confirmed Dr Abdullahi Saidu as Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, alongside six other members representing the country’s geopolitical zones.

The confirmation followed the presentation and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Finance.

The six members are Mohammed Asma’u Mai-Eka, North-West; Mohammed Makama, North-Central; Suleiman Gidado, North-East; Louis Ndukwe, South-South; Amaechi Ugwele, South-East; and Olaniyi Onikola, South-West.

Presenting the committee’s report, Deputy Chairman, Senator Lere Oyewumi, said the nominees underwent a thorough screening in view of the commission’s responsibilities for promoting fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability in public financial management.

He said the committee examined their educational qualifications, professional experience and records of service, adding that the nominees demonstrated sufficient competence to undertake their assignments.

Oyewumi disclosed that the chairman-designate and four other nominees presented letters of appreciation from their previous workplaces attesting to their competence and suitability.

He said Saidu possessed substantial experience in revenue administration, fiscal oversight and governance reform, having previously served at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where he chaired a sensitive committee.

The senator also highlighted the professional backgrounds of other nominees, including Makama, who had served for 28 years and was a manager in the Legal Department of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG).

He described Gidado as an associate professor with an outstanding professional record, while Ugwele had served as a special adviser to the Enugu State Government.

According to him, Onikola is a financial investment expert who served for eight years under two successive administrations in Osun State.

Oyewumi expressed confidence that the nominees possessed the requisite qualifications and experience to strengthen the commission’s performance.

Supporting the committee’s recommendations, Senator Simon Lalong said he participated actively in the screening and was satisfied with the nominees’ credentials.

Lalong described them as reputable individuals capable of contributing meaningfully to the commission’s mandate.

The Fiscal Responsibility Commission is responsible for promoting prudent management of public resources, monitoring compliance with fiscal responsibility requirements and encouraging transparency and accountability in government financial operations.

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