The Senate’s decision to not confirm presidential aide, Lauretta Onochie as an INEC commissioner has begun to elicit reactions from Nigerians.
Recall that the Senate rejected Onochie’s nomination at plenary on Tuesday after a voice vote.
The vote was taken after the Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Kabiru Gaya presented its report.
He said that her nomination breached Federal Character Principles.
Read Also: JUST IN: Senate Rejects Onochie As INEC Commissioner
Citing Section 14 (1) 3 of the Constitution, Gaya (APC – Kano South) stated that another individual also from the South-South zone was already a Commissioner and the law was clear on the matter.
Onochie, who is a Delta State indigene, was nominated for the INEC job by President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2020.
Her nomination was however opposed by opposition parties and civil society groups on account of her alleged membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Responding, Onochie said she resigned her membership of the party in 2019.
Meanwhile, many Nigerians have taken to Facebook to react to the Senate’s decision.
Prince Taiwo Olawuyi, “The first reasonable decision by the 9th Senate. If tonight dinner is not holding with President bcos of the rejection come to my house for dinner.”
Akachukwu Igbokwe Gideon wrote, “This is the only good decision this senate under Lawal has taken since how many years. Buhari want to since this country.”
Icent Okojie wrote, “Senate didn’t reject Onochie, the rubber stamp Senate won’t dare to reject Buhari’s nominee. It is Bubu that changes his mind after people’s outcry.”
Odinakachi Ihekweme wrote, “Good, now let’s see how she will go back to the party she denounced their membership already all because of money and office positions.”
Tosin Seyi wrote, “This is probably the most responsible thing this Senate has done since two years. Kudos to many people for not keeping silent and speaking against the nomination of an obviously partisan woman as INEC National Electoral Commissioner.