The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has demanded President Muhammadu Buhari to withdraw the nomination of his aide, Lauretta Onochie, as a commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Clement Nwankwo, the Convener of Situation Room, issued this in a statement on Tuesday. He said Onochie’s nomination is a means to weaken the efforts to build a credible electoral process in Nigeria.
The statement partly reads, ‘Situation Room calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately withdraw her nomination. Her nomination amounts to a major attempt at undermining efforts to build credibility for an improved electoral process in the country.’
Nwankwo cited the 1999 constitution from paragraph 14 which forbids a ‘partisan politician’ as a member of the electoral body.
He argued that the presidential aide is a ‘known partisan supporter of President Muhammadu Buhari and his ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).’
Nwankwo asked the Senate to disregard her nomination if President Buhari fails to withdraw it.
His reaction followed President Buhari’s request for the National Assembly to confirm Onochie as INEC National Commissioner representing Delta State.
The President is also seeking confirmation of the appointment of three others; Professor Mohammed Sani (Katsina); Professor Kunle Ajayi (Ekiti).
Peace Omenka
Photo Credit: Sahara Reporters