By Abdullateef Bambgose
Senate yesterday confirmed a former lawmaker, Ayo Omidiran as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, FCC, alongside 37 commissioners representing the 36 states and the Federal CapitalTerritory, FCT.
The confirmation followed the adoption of the screening report presented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator Allwell Onyesoh.
He said the nominees submitted the required documents and faced a thorough screening without any criminal petition recorded against them.
A two-term member of the House of Representatives, Omidiran is widely respected for her community-focused legislative record, women empowerment initiatives and strong advocacy for equity in governance.
Her appointment is expected to inject renewed discipline, transparency and reform-oriented leadership into the commission.
Among the commissioners confirmed by the Senate are Peter Eze representing Enugu State, AbdulWasiu Kayode Bawa-Allah for Lagos State, while Mohammed Musa remains as Secretary of the FCC.
Presenting the report to the chamber, Senator Onyesoh informed lawmakers that the nominees appeared before the committee on November 13, submitting CCB clearance, police reports, DSS vetting documents and their curriculum vitae.
Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele moved the motion for the Senate to dissolve into the Committee of the Whole for the chamber to consider the nominees.
Supporting the motion, the Deputy Minority Leader, Olalere Oyewumi said “from their résumé, they have held different positions locally and internationally, and I hereby thank Mr President for finding them worthy for nomination.”
Following the submission, the Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole to consider each nominee.
After a state-by-state review and no objections raised, the Committee of the Whole adopted the report and reverted to plenary.
Before putting the nominations to a final vote, Senate President Godswill Akpabio charged the newly confirmed appointees to approach their duties with patriotism and a clear commitment to national development.
Addressing the chamber after the unanimous confirmation, he said:“Go and serve in the interest of the nation. I congratulate all the nominees and wish them a successful tenure,” he said.
Akpabio subsequently put the nominations to a voice vote and the chamber unanimously confirmed Omidiran and the 37 commissioners.
