The Senate on Thursday 17th November 2016 rejected President Muhammadu Buhari’s nomination of Mr. Aliyu Sa’ida Abubakar (Bauchi) and Pastor Ezekiel Yissa (Kwara) as Commissioners for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) . The refusal followed the recommendation of its Committee on Communications.
Presenting the Committee report, Sen. Gilbert Nnaji (PDP:Enugu), Chairman of the Committee explained that at the screening stage, it was observed that Mr. Aliyu Saidu Abubakar lacked the academic and professional qualifications suitable for the post of a non-executive Commissioner of NCC’s Governing Board. . According to Sen. Nnaji, Mr. Aliyu Saidu Abubakar could not produce any credible educational certificate for the Committee to verify at the screening.
Sen. Nnaji also recommended the rejection of Pastor Ezekiel Yissa as Commissioner stating that his educational background as a career Nursing Officer did not put him in a position to cope with the dynamics of the communications sector if confirmed.
The Senate however confirmed the nomination of the following nominees:
- Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye – Chairman
- Sunday Dare – Executive Commissioner
- Clement Omeiza Baiye – Non-Executive Commissioner
- Chief Okoi Ofem Obono Obia – Non-Executive Commissioner
- Senator Ifeanyi Ararume – Non-Executive Commissioner
