The senate was on Tuesday divided over the confirmation of members of the federal Character Commision.
Some lawmakers had alleged it was one sided as the nomination of members of Federal Character Commission came up as sent by Mr president.
The Minority leader of the Senate, Enyinnaya Abaribe had opposed the move insisting that the senate must adhere to the Federal Character principles, in line with the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
Eyinnaya noted that “the Secretary of the Commission was from the North” and questioned the rationale behind alloting the position of the Chairman to the same region
The senate Minority leader had earlier submitted a petition from the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging the Senate to halt the confirmation of the nominees.
He said: “Section 14(3) is explicit on this issue of Federal Character. We can’t ignore it. The Federal Character Commission has a Secretary who is from the Northern part of Nigeria. In order to respect the principles of Federal Character, the Secretary and Chairman shouldn’t come from the same part of the country.
“I urge the Committee to ensure that they follow the principles of Federal Character while considering this issue. National interest should come first.”
The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has, however, referred the matter to the Committee on Federal Character, urging members to adhere to what the law says.
Lawan said: “The Committee should do their job in line with what the law says. That’s the only thing they will rely on. Nothing else.”
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