Senator Barau said there is a senate tradition that accords certain personalities the privilege of automatic confirmation without being screened.
The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Musa Adamu Aliyu as Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
It also confirmed the appointment of Saka Bolaji Suleiman and Prof. Gaji F. Dantata as Members of the Federal Judicial Service Commission.
These confirmations were made during Thursday’s plenary after the Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion for the screening of the nominees.
This is in accordance with Section 3 (6) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission Establishment Act 2000 and Section 154 (1), (3) and paragraph 12 (f) of part 1 to the third schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Amended).
Recall that on Wednesday, 25th October 2023, President Bola Tinubu sent a letter to the Senate, requesting the consideration and confirmation of these nominees.
The Red Chamber which was presided over by the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin resolved into the Committee of the Whole to commence screening.
During the screening, the 45-year-old Lawyer, Musa Adamu Aliyu presented his CV and gave a brief background about himself.
He is the current Attorney General in Jigawa State, a position he has held for four years.
He has also served as the Chairman of the Human Rights Bar Association and has fought for the rights of women and fought against corruption over the years.
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During the exercise, Senators Adamu Aliero (PDP, Kebbi Central) and Olalere Oyewunmi (PDP, Osun West) asked the 45-year-old lawyer what approach he intends to take differently in fighting corruption if appointed as Chairman of the ICPC.
He responded, “We will ensure that we examine some of our system, where there are gaps, then we have to make efforts to minimise the impact of corruption so that people will know that we have the responsibility to tackle this cancer.
“I lived in Malaysia for 3 years and I know how they look at us, so we need to tackle the issues of corruption
“I will ensure that there is a collaboration with the National Assembly, the MDAs, and other relevant agencies to be able to tackle and minimise the corruption. Whatever I am doing, I lead by example and I know that one day, I will account for my deeds.”
He was thereafter told to take a bow and go.
The second nominee, Prof. Gaji F. Dantata, is the wife of a two-term Governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau.
Barau Jibrin informed that there is a privilege accorded to their colleagues in the Public Service who are to be screened to take a bow and go without being questioned.
According to Barau, the privilege will be extended to her being the wife of their colleague. He, however, gave her the opportunity to introduce herself and “take a bow and go.”
The Senate also screened Saka Bolaji Suleiman who also introduced himself.
However, no questions were asked of him.
The Red Chamber reverted to plenary where all nominees were confirmed after it was put to a voice vote.
