Those angling for interim govt are jokers —Mark , as Senate receives list of 8 ministerial nominees, others

Senate President, David Mark, on Tuesday, said those angling for the composition of an interim national government (ING) are pushing for an exercise in futility,

adding that the call was alien to the 1999 Constitution.

Mark, who made the call in his welcome address to senators on Tuesday, said  he ordinarily would not have read a welcome address, but added that these were not ordinary times in Nigeria.

Mark stated that he was alarmed at the illegal call for the composition of ING, adding that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should ensure the elections were conducted as scheduled.

Mark said: “I am alarmed that the issue of ING has been given undeserved prominence in our national discourse. This is imprecise, sordid and strange. ING is alien to the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Therefore, those calling for ING are pushing for an exercise in futility.

“This Senate is committed to the provisions of our constitution which we swore to protect and we will not do anything to sabotage the democratic process.

“I call on the INEC to continue to prepare to conduct a free, fair, transparent and credible general election.”

He urged his colleagues to rise to the occasion and help reduce the tripe soon in the polity.

He further said: “Ordinarily, we would have commenced our legislative activities this morning without a welcome address, but these are not ordinary times in our nation. There is palpable tension in the land and the comments, even body language of the political class further exacerbates the tension.

“As statesmen and women, we must rise to the occasion and help reduce tension. We must refrain from acts or statements that will aggravate this already charged atmosphere across the country. This is time for us to be true statesmen and women, in words and deeds.”

He stated that the legislators owed it a duty to support INEC, ensuring a free, fair and credible election.

Mark said: “It is important to note that on the May 29, a democratic government elected through a free, fair, transparent and credible election will be sworn-in.”

Senate receives list of 8 ministerial nominees, others

The Senate at resumption of plenary on Tuesday received a list of eight ministerial nominees from the Presidency in accordance with Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution for consideration and approval.

The nominees include former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, Lagos State; Sen. Patricia Akwashiki, Nassarawa State; Prof. Nicholas Ada, Benue; Col. Augustine Akobundu (rtd), Abia.

Others are Mr Fidelis Nwankwo, Ebonyi; Mrs Hauwau Lawan, Jigawa; Mr Kenneth Kobani, Rivers; and Sen. Joel Ikenya, Taraba.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new ministerial nominees will replace former ministers who resigned their positions.

They are former ministers of Information, Mr Labaran Maku; Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, and Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu.
Others are the former minister of state for Education Nyesom Wike; minister of state for Trade and Investment, Mr Samuel Ortom.

The others are the former of minister of state for Defence, Mr Musiliu Obanikoro, and minister of state for Niger Delta, Mr Dairus Ishaku.
Briefing newsmen after plenary, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Sen. Enyinaya Abaribe (PDP-Abia), said the senate would be screening the ministerial nominees next week.

Meanwhile, Senate received request from President Goodluck Jonathan for consideration of Mr Ibrahim Abba as Grand Khadi, Sharia Court of Appeal for FCT in accordance with Section 261(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

Also, Senate received a request for confirmation of Mr Toye Olofintuyi as a member of the Civil Service Commission, representing Edo, Ekiti and Ondo states.
Similarly, Senate received a request for the confirmation of the appointment of Mr Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin as a member of the National Population Commission in accordance with Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution. (NAN)