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Nigerian Senate Rejects President Buhari's Nominee for National Pensions Commission Director-General

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Nigerian Senate has rejected President Muhammadu Buhari's nominee, Aisha Umar, as the Director-General of the National Pensions Commission (PENCOM), citing that she is from the North-East and not the South-East, as prescribed by law. This decision comes after the Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, expressed frustration with the President's decision to favor the North in federal appointments. The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, dismissed Abaribe's point of order, stating that the interpretation of the law falls under his jurisdiction.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nigerian Senate has rejected Aisha Umar's nomination as Director-General of PENCOM, citing Section 20(1) and Section 21(1) and (2) of the National Pension Commission Act 2014, which states that a replacement must come from the same geopolitical zone as the immediate past member.
  • Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe argued that Anohu-Amazu's successor should come from the South-East, in line with the law.
  • The Minority Leader further stated that President Buhari's decision to appoint Umar from the North-East is incorrect and infringes on the Act establishing PENCOM.
  • The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, rejected Abaribe's point of order, saying that he is responsible for interpreting the law.
  • The nominations also included Oyindasola Oni as Chairman of the agency, and four other Executive Commissioners, including Hannatu Musa (North West) and Ayim C. Nyerere (South East).
  • Charles Efe Sylvester Emukowhale was nominated for the South-South region, while Clement Oyedele Akintola was nominated for the South West region.

Statistics:

  • Aisha Umar, the nominee for D-G of PENCOM, is from the North-East region.
  • Umar's nomination has been rejected by the Nigerian Senate due to non-compliance with the National Pension Commission Act 2014.
  • The nominees for Executive Commissioners include Hannatu Musa (North West), Oyindasola Oni (Chairman), Ayim C. Nyerere (South East), Charles Efe Sylvester Emukowhale (South-South), and Clement Oyedele Akintola (South West).
  • Umar's tenure as Director-General has yet to be confirmed by the Senate.

Sources:

  • THEWILL, "Buhari's Nominee, Aisha Umar, Rejects for Not Coming From South East", September 29, 2023
  • (THEWILL), "Buhari Names Nominees for PENCOM Board", September 29, 2023

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