Asking some Nominees for the Ministerial appointment to Bow and Go has been described as one of the provision of the Senate Standing Rules as a mark of showing respect and solidarity to any former member of the National Assembly.
This was stated by Aminu Iya Abbas, the Senator Representing Adamawa Central Federal Constituency under the banner of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in an interview with Viewfinder on Tuesday in his office.
“There is nothing wrong in asking some nominees to Bow and Go, it’s part of our Standing Rules that we allow any of our Ex- member to enjoy that privilege because we know him and we know what he/she capable of doing. In fact, that is the highest regard we will give them as colleague” he said
On the grilling of some of the Nominees, the Senator said if it had come with portfolio, the Senators would have better opportunity to ask many questions especially on the area the Nominee is expected to discharge his responsibility.
Unfortunately however, he said that part of the amendment sent to the Former President for accent has not been accented to, and that the 10th Senate will represent that aspect of the Bill for accent to this administration for purpose of future submissions of Ministerial list.
Senator Iya described the ongoing screening as smooth and hitches free as it was reflected in the first and second days; noting that, there are no problems with the exercise as both members and the Nominees are cooperating with the set down rules.
However he said, where there are discrepancies from the part of the Nominees in terms of information provided in their CVs, the Senate President had directed one of the Nominees to re-submit the missing document.
Senator Iya further revealed that, even though the Senate has the power to reject a Nominee if he has demonstrated incompetence provided false information or forged document but, he doesn’t foresee any possible rejection in the ongoing screening exercise because things are going smoothly.
“In a situation where there is a problem with a Nominee we will advise Mr. President to substitute his name with another one period” said Senator Iya.
On why the Senate accepted the list of the Nominees from the President incomplete he said, there is nothing wrong with that since the he has submitted it within the 60 days stipulated in the 1999 Constitution as amended.
“The Constitution said names of the Ministerial Nominees must be submitted within 60 days and the President submitted it within that time frame as such, there is no problem”.
Noting that, the President has promised to submit the remaining names of the Nominees and they look forward to it soon. “The Constitution said, one nominee must at least come from each of the 36 states and Abuja”. He emphasized
Senator Iya said, the Senate has resolved that, if the President didn’t submit the remaining names after it has finished screening and confirmation of the 28 Nominees submitted to it this week; they will embarked on recess and the remaining list should wait until they are back from 6 weeks holiday.
