The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday confirmed Aisha Dahiru-Umar (Northeast) as Director-General of the National Pension Commission amid controversy that saw the Minority leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe resisting the confirmation.
The confirmation followed a report by the Senate Committee Chairman on Establishment and Public Service Matters, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau representing Kano Central Senatorial district which was tendered to the plenary on Tuesday.
Shekarau who was represented by his Deputy in the Committee claimed that the report was satisfactory enough for the confirmation of nominees, but soon after the Senate Minority leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe rose to oppose the confirmation, saying that it was the turn of Southeast to produce the PenCom DG.
Abaribe argued that the PenCom Act stipulated four years for the position of DG, “but the last DG – Chinelo Amazu-Anohu spent only two years of the statutory four years”, hence, the zone should be allowed to finish its two years.
Contributing, Senator Biodun Olujimi who was mindful of gender equality, pleaded that certain issues be waived to consider Aisha Dahiru-Umar since she is a woman.
Senator Ali Ndume representing Borno South Senatorial district lending his support agreed to Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe’s push for a Southeast DG, but advised the Senate President to apply wisdom, saying that they are all statesmen.
Ndume pleaded for understanding while saying that the Southeast be considered for another opportunity to avoid discontent.
Meanwhile, the Senate went ahead to confirm the following nominees afternoon voice vote:
Dr. Oyindasola Oluremi Obi – Kwara (North Central) – Chairman, Hannaford Hanney Musa Musawa – Katsina (Northwest) – Commissioner, Clement Oyedele Akintola – Ondo (Southwest) – Commissioner, Anyim C. Nyerere – Abia (Southeast) – Commissioner, and Charles Efe Sylvester Emukowhale – Delta (Southsouth) – Commissioner.
In his remarks, Lawan tasked the team for a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s Pension Commission, adding that they were privileged among many Nigerians to serve in that capacity.
