Senate confirms New NCC Chairman, as Senator protest Duroyaiye’s removal

Bukola Olanrewaju February 7, 2020 TECHNOLOGY, Telecom Leave a comment

The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Senator Adeolu Akande from the South West and Mr. Uche Onwude from the South East as the Chairman and Board Member of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC.

However, Senator Solomon Adeola (Lagos West) frowned at the way the former NCC Chairman, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye was unceremoniously removed after spending three out of the five years of his tenure.

The lawmaker therefore called the attention of the lawmakers to the circumstances surrounding the removal of the erstwhile chairman of the NCC, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, by President Muhammadu Buhari which he viewed as unceremonious.

He appealed for the intervention of the Senate on the matter, so as to give the former lawmaker and former chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission the opportunity and privilege of tendering his resignation.

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He was however countered by President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan.

The President of the Senate said the intervention to allow Senator Durojaiye to have proper resignation was beyond the jurisdiction of the Red Chamber.

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He said: “The Senate did not initiate the nomination. We received the nomination from Mr President. The initial nomination of the former chairman was only brought to the Senate to be confirmed at that time.

“Senator Adeola, I can understand your feeling, it is so unfortunate that the senate did not initiate the nomination of the board members but we are just confirming the recommendation of Mr. President.

“So, the issue of whether to have the opportunity to resign is entirely not in the hands of the Senate. However, I really sympathise with the situation, but I want to remind you, that the prerogative of nominations rests with Mr President.

“We will always try to ensure that there is adherence to due processes. But I believe that this is a matter that can best be sorted out in the Presidency rather than in the Senate.”