Senate Confirms Tinubu’s Nominees for Human Rights, Fiscal Responsibility Commissions

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Senate has confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s nominees for the boards of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC).

Those confirmed for the NHRC include Dr Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman as chairman and 10 other members, who are Mr Huwaila Muhammad Ibrahim, Mr Edmund Chinonye Obiagwu (SAN), Mr Ogunji Chidozie Kingsley, Mrs Oluwakemi Asiwaju-Okenyodo, Professor Adedeji Adekunle, Mr Ayo Adewuyi, Mr Muhammad Adelodun, Mrs Eze Anaba, Mrs Maupe Ogun-Yusuf and Mrs Patience Patrick Udoh.

For the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, the Senate confirmed Dr Abdullahi Maikano Saidu as executive chairman, alongside six members representing the six geopolitical zones.

Mr Muhammad Asmau Mai-Eka represents North-West, Mr Muhammad Aliyu Makama represents North-Central, Mr Suleiman Gidado represents North-East, Mr Louis O. Ndukwe represents South-South, Mr Amechi Ugwele represents South-East, and Mr Olaniyi Idowu Onikola represents South-West.

The appointments are expected to strengthen the leadership of the two commissions, which have mandates relating to the protection of human rights and the promotion of fiscal responsibility in public finance management.

The National Human Rights Commission is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights in Nigeria, while the Fiscal Responsibility Commission monitors compliance with fiscal responsibility laws and promotes transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

Presenting the FRC report, Vice Chairman of the Finance Committee, Senator Kamarudeen Oyewumi, Osun West, described the commission as critical to fiscal discipline.

He said the committee was satisfied with nominees’ qualifications and attestation letters, highlighting Saidu’s experience in revenue administration.

All seven FRC nominees were confirmed through voice votes.

On NHRC, the Committee Chairman, Mr Adeniyi Adegbonmire, said members unanimously agreed the nominees were qualified to strengthen human rights protection and commended Tinubu for appointing persons of substance.

Following confirmation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio congratulated the chairmen and members on their appointments.