The National Leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has nominated Senator Ibrahim Gobir representing Sokoto East as the new Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC caucus in the Senate.
The party’s decision was contained in a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, and signed by the National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu.
The letter was read by Senator Ahmad Lawan, at the start of plenary on Wednesday.
Gobir replaces the former Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), who defected from the ruling party to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Until his nomination, Senator Gobir chaired the Committee on National Security and Intelligence in the ninth assembly.
The nomination letter reads, “With reference to your letter No.: NASS9thS/SP/D/12/ dated 16th June, 2022, in which you informed the party of the vacancy of the office of the Senate Leader of our party.
“Accept herewith, the party’s nomination of Senator Ibrahim Gobir (Sokoto East Senatorial District) as replacement for the Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC Caucus.
“While thanking you for the usual cooperation, please accept the assurances of our best regards.”
Meanwhile, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, on Wednesday referred President Muhammadu Buhari’s request to confirm 19 nominees as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to its Committee on Electoral Matters.
Those for screening include: Ibrahim Abdullahi (Adamawa – Renewal); Obo O. Effanga (Cross River – Renewal); Alh. Umar Ibrahim (Taraba – Renewal); Dr. Agboke Mutiu Olaleke (Ogun – Renewal); and Prof. Samuel E. Egwu (Kogi – Renewal).
Others are: Onyeka Pauline Ugochi (Imo); Prof. Muhammad Lawal Bashir (Sokoto); Prof. Ayobami Salami (Oyo); Amb. Zango Abdussamadu Abdu (Katsina); Mrs. Queen Elizabeth Agwu (Ebonyi); and Dr. Agundu Oliver Tersoo (Benue).
Also to be screened by the Electoral Matters Committee are: Yomere Gabriel Oritsemlebi (Delta); Prof. Yahaya Makarfi Ibrahim (Kaduna); Dr. Nura Ali (Kano); Agu Sylvia Uchenna (Enugu); Ahmed Yushau Garki (FCT); Barr. Hudu Yunusa (Bauchi); Prof. Uzochukwu Ikemefuna Chijioke (Anambra); and Mohammed B. Nura (Yobe).
The upper chamber also referred the President’s request to confirm Dr. Suleman Agha Afikpo as Commissioner South East zone at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Also referred was a third request to confirm four nominees as Non-Executive Directors of the Board of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The request was sent to the Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institution.
The nominees to appear before the panel for screening are: Prof. Mike Idiahi Obadan (South South); Prof. Justitia Odinakachukwu Nnabuko (South East); Prof. Ummu Ahmed Jalingo (North East); and Mr. Adeola Adetunji (South West).
The three Committees were all given two weeks to screen the nominees and submit their reports to the upper chamber.
