The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has warned President Muhammadu Buhari against forcing the appointment of Lauretta Onochie through the back door following her rejection by the Senate.
Willy Ezugwu, CNPP National Secretary, gave this warning in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday.
TrackNews Online reported that the Senate on Monday declined Onochie’s nomination as a National Commissioner for INEC.
Onochie’s non-confirmation followed reports by Senator Kabir Gaya-led the Senate Committee on INEC, who said her nomination breached the Federal Character principles.
Kabir Gaya cited Section 14 (1) 3 of the Constitution, stating that somebody was already a Commissioner from her zone and the law remains clear about that.
“We warn of a repeat of the Ibrahim Magu template where the executive unilaterally imposed him on the country in perpetual Acting Capacity as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the wish of the people,” CNPP said.
“We all know how Magu’s tenure as EFCC’s Acting Chairman ended, proving that corruption allegation against him by the Department of State Services (DSS) leading to his rejection by the 8th Senate was correct.
“It will be disastrous for our already struggling democracy if the executive is allowed to appoint a fanatically partisan character like Lauretta Onochie through the backdoor, using the Magu template,” CNPP said.
The organisation warned President Buhari, lawmakers at all levels and presidential aides to stop causing unnecessary controversies and focus more on life after office.
