AU COMMISSION CHAIRPERSON ARRIVES IN BAMAKO TO REVIVE DIALOGUE WITH MALI. (PHOTO).

Image
 AU Commission Chairperson Arrives in Bamako to Revive Dialogue With Mali Mahmoud Ali Youssouf arrived for a two-day official visit, according to an AU statement. He was welcomed by Mali’s Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop and is also expected to meet with President Assimi Goïta, it said, Sputnik reported. The visit comes as Mali remains suspended from AU activities since June 2021. The AU has reaffirmed its support for Mali’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while proposing increased assistance to the security sector.

SENATE DEBATE ERUPTS OVER NON-INDIGENE RSIEC CHAIRMAN APPOINTMENT. (PHOTO).


 Senate Debate Erupts Over Non-Indigene RSIEC Chairman Appointment


A heated debate disrupted proceedings in the Nigerian Senate today during the consideration of an ad-hoc committee report on the emergency rule in Rivers State, particularly regarding the screening and approval of Michael Odey, a non-indigene, as Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).


The session turned contentious as lawmakers clashed over the nomination of Odey, a Cross River State native, prompting strong objections from opposition figures. Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro expressed dismay, noting that the prior appointment of a non-Rivers sole administrator had already sparked concerns, and Odey’s selection further eroded ethical standards. He was backed by Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), who questioned the logic of appointing an outsider to oversee Rivers State elections.


Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) echoed these sentiments, invoking the federal character principle and urging sensitivity to local interests. “It may not be unconstitutional, but we must carry the people along. There are qualified individuals within Rivers State, and appointing from outside sends the wrong signal,” he said.


Defending the nomination, Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno argued that no constitutional breach had occurred. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who chairs the Ad-Hoc Committee, called for calm, emphasizing constitutional merit over political sentiment. “Eligibility and qualification are the key criteria. The nominee meets both, despite not being from Rivers State. Of the seven nominees, six are from Rivers, ensuring neutrality and transparency in this sensitive political climate,” Bamidele stated, adding that the committee conducted thorough consultations.


Despite the friction, a voice vote resulted in an overwhelming majority adopting the report, confirming Odey’s appointment along with other RSIEC members.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

INNOSON GIVES OUT BRAND NEW IVM G5 AND SALARY FOR LIFE TO THE MAN WHO PROPHESIED ABOUT HIS VEHICLE MANUFACTURING IN 1979.(PHOTO).

SHAKIRA COVERS WOMEN'S HEALTH MAGAZINE,APRIL ISSUE.

THE NEW OONI OF ILE-IFE,WILL NOT EAT THE HEART OF THE LATE OONI-PALACE CHIEFS.