Senate confirms reappointment of ICPC commissioners

On Tuesday, the Senate confirmed the reappointment of seven nominees as commissioners in the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. This decision followed a request from President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Retd.), who submitted a letter to the Senate dated January 3, 2023, seeking the reappointment of these individuals. Senate President Ahmad Lawan read the letter during the plenary session.

The nominees include Justice Adamu Bello (Retd.) from Katsina State (North West), Hanatu Muhammed from Jigawa (North West), Mrs. Olubukola Balogun from Lagos State (South West), Obiora Igwedibia from Anambra State (South East), Dr. Abdullahi Saidu from Niger State (North Central), Dauda Umar from Nasarawa (North Central), and Dr. Grace Chinda from Delta State (South-South). The letter, which was obtained by the media, stated, “In accordance with the provisions of Section 3 sub-section (3) & (7) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, I write to forward for confirmation by the Senate the under-listed names of seven persons for re-appointment as members of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. It is my hope that the distinguished Senate will consider and confirm the appointment in the usual expeditious manner.”

During the plenary, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele raised concerns regarding the South West representative, Mrs. Olubukola Balogun (Retd.). He questioned the meaning of “Retd.” next to her name, asking what profession she had retired from. He also expressed doubts about her age, noting that her Curriculum Vitae indicated she was born in 1996 and was already serving as a commissioner, which he found questionable.

In response, Lawan stated that it was too late to raise such questions since Balogun had already been screened for a previous appointment. He emphasized that she should be approved for a second term. Following this, he called for a vote and confirmed the nominees for reappointment.