The Nigerian Senate, on Thursday, approved President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of Mrs. Ayo Omidiran as Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, signaling a notable change in the leadership of the agency that ensures fair representation across federal institutions.
Omidiran, who previously served as a lawmaker in Osun State, was confirmed alongside Peter Eze from Enugu State and 36 other nominees for Federal Commissioner positions, following a screening report by the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs.
The confirmation took place during a plenary session led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Senator Allwell Onyesoh (PDP, Rivers East), chairman of the committee, stated that all nominees appeared before the panel on Tuesday and met the qualifications and competence required for their respective roles.
He noted, “The committee did not receive any criminal complaints against any of the nominees. They submitted all required documents and demonstrated capacity for the roles they were nominated for.”
Onyesoh added that the vetting process reviewed nominees’ curriculum vitae, Code of Conduct clearance certificates, police and DSS reports, and other eligibility documents, alongside individual presentations and an in-depth question-and-answer session.
He emphasized that nominees from all 36 states and the FCT satisfied constitutional requirements, describing them as “eminently qualified.”
The committee also highlighted Eze’s performance during the screening, noting his deep understanding of the FCC’s mandate and the reforms needed to enhance the agency’s effectiveness.
“His appointment will strengthen the capacity of the Federal Character Commission to review outdated statutes and harmonise them with current realities,” Onyesoh said.
Earlier, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved for the chamber to dissolve into the Committee of the Whole for detailed examination of the nominees.
Deputy Minority Leader Senator Olalere Oyewumi supported the motion, stating, “From their résumés, they have held different positions both locally and internationally. I thank Mr President for finding them worthy.”
After a state-by-state review, the Committee of the Whole adopted the report without objections and returned to plenary, where Akpabio put the nominations to a voice vote, which passed unanimously.
Eze’s nomination had previously been made public by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.
An economist and public administrator from Aji in Igbo-Eze North LGA of Enugu State, Eze currently serves as Executive Assistant to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. He holds a B.Sc. in Economics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a Master’s in Customs Management from the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), Beijing.
The other 36 nominees confirmed on Thursday include: Lawal Ya’u Roni (Jigawa); Abubakar Bunu (Kebbi); Eludayo Eluyemi (Osun); Abdulwasiu Bawalla (Lagos); Obinna Oriaku (Abia); Bema Madayi (Adamawa); Dora Ebong (Akwa Ibom); Nnoli Gloria (Anambra); Babangida Gwana (Bauchi); Sir Tonye Okio (Bayelsa); Aligba Tarkende (Benue); Modu Mustapha (Borno); Dr. Stella Ekpo (Cross River); Ederin Idisi (Delta); and Nwokpor Nduka (Ebonyi).
The list also includes: Victor Edoror (Edo); Sola Fokanle (Ekiti); Ibrahim Mairiga (Gombe); Jerry Alagbaoso (Imo); Ruth Jumai Ango (Kaduna); Muhammad Nayya (Kano); Anas Isah (Katsina); Bello Idris Eneye (Kogi); Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi (Kwara); Isah Jibrin (Niger); Ajimudu Bola (Ondo); Prince Ayodeji Aleshinloye (Oyo); Pam Bolman (Plateau); Aaron Chukwuemeka (Rivers); Aminu Tambar (Sokoto); Bobboi Kaigama (Taraba); Jibir Maigari (Yobe); Sani Garba (Zamfara); and Solomon Ayuba Dagami (FCT).
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