…as Akpabio applauds Senator Allwell Onyesoh for exceptional performance
The Nigerian Senate on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Hon. Ayo Hulayat Omidiran as Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), alongside 37 nominees who will serve as Commissioners representing the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) marking a significant milestone for the agency responsible for equitable representation among federal institutions.
The confirmation followed the adoption of a report submitted by the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, chaired by Distinguished Senator (Chief) Allwell Heacho Onyesoh (Rivers East). The committee had screened the nominees on 13 November in compliance with the Senate’s directive.
Presenting the report, Senator Onyesoh stated that all nominees appeared before the panel and were found to possess the requisite qualifications and competence for the positions.
“The committee did not receive any criminal petitions against any of the nominees. They submitted all required documentation and demonstrated capacity for the roles they were nominated to occupy,” he said.
He further explained that the vetting process involved the review of curriculum vitae, clearance certificates from the Code of Conduct Bureau, police and DSS reports, as well as other eligibility documents, in addition to individual presentations and a thorough question-and-answer session. He described the nominees as “eminently qualified”, noting that they all met constitutional requirements.
Earlier, the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion for the chamber to dissolve into the Committee of the Whole for a clause-by-clause consideration of the nominees. Supporting the motion, Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Oyewumi, commended the calibre of the nominees.
“From their résumés, they have held various positions locally and internationally. I thank Mr President for finding them worthy,” he said, while also applauding the choice of Hon. Omidiran, who previously served two terms in the House of Representatives.
Announcing the Senate’s decision, Senate President Godswill Akpabio confirmed Hon. Ayo Hulayat Omidiran as Chairman of the Federal Character Commission and approved the 37 others as state Commissioners and representative of the FCT.
Akpabio also commended Senator Onyesoh for the diligence displayed during the screening process, describing his conduct as “ painstakingly exceptional”.
Their confirmation represents a significant milestone in reconstituting the FCC, the agency responsible for promoting equity, fairness, and balanced distribution of public offices and national resources among Nigeria’s federating units.
