Date Published: 03/31/10

Human Rights, Justice and Peace Foundation (HRJPF)

93, Market Road, First Floor (Back)

Aba, Abia State

www.hrjpf.org

E-mail: hrjpfoundation@yahoo.com

March 31, 2010

Press Release

AGF: What is Delaying the Senate?

The attention of the Human Rights, Justice and Peace Foundation (HRJPF) has been drawn to the delay by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in confirming Mr. Samuel Ukura, the nominee of President Umaru Musa Yar’adua as Auditor-General for the Federation (AGF).

Recall that shortly before he proceeded on medical vacation, President Yar’adua, following the recommendation by the Federal Civil Service Commission, as enshrined in Section 86. (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, nominated Mr. Ukura, the Auditor-General for Benue for the plum job. Sadly, four months later, the Senate has for no cogent reasons been delaying his confirmation, as required by Law.

As a result, Mr. G. F. Ogunsina, a first degree holder in Geography, who emerged as Acting Auditor-General for the Federation about ten months ago, has continued to occupy that office, contrary to Section 86. (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, which states: ‘Except with the sanction of a resolution of the Senate,  no person shall act in the office of the Auditor-General for a period exceeding six months.’

May we ask, what informed the hurried moves by the Senate to confirm the list of ministerial nominees submitted by ‘Acting President’ Goodluck Jonathan, while the upper chamber of Nigeria’s parliament turns a blind eye to President Yar’adua’s nominee for the post of Auditor-General for the Federation?  Or could it be there are forces in the Senate frustrating the emergence of a northerner as occupant of that coveted office?  

Accordingly, the HRJPF calls on the Senate to, as a matter of urgent importance, confirm the appointment of Mr. Kura as AGF. This will not only fill the vacuum created by the expiration of the tenure of Mr. Ogunsina as Acting AGF but also give the north that has never produced any AGF a sense of belonging.

Toyin Oloye (Mrs.)

Secretary, HRJPF