Despite Controversy, Senate Confirms Dahir-Umar As DG PenCom Amidst Protests

Aisha Dahir-Umar has been confirmed as the Director General of the National Pension Commission Board amidst protests from some senators.

Recall that the Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, had argued against Dahir-Umar confirmation, insisting that confirming her will be against the constitution since her predecessor did not complete her tenure, the position should be occupied by somebody from the South-East, where Mrs Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, whose five-year tenure was truncated, hailed from.

Ruling on Abaribe’s argument, the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, said the constitutional provisions relied upon by those who are kicking against the DG’s appointment was not valid because the tenure of Anohu-Amazu’s board had expired before the appointment of Dahir-Umar

The President Muhammadu Buhari had penultimate week, sent the name of Dahir-Umar to the Senate, seeking the lawmakers’ confirmation for her to be the substantive DG and others, to the board of the agency.

Another nominee who was also confirmed by the Senate was Dr Oyindasola Oluremi Oni, from North Central as Chairman.

Also confirmed were Clement Akintola (South-West); Ayim Nyerere (South-East) and Charles Emukowhale (South-South), as commissioners of the PenCom board.

The Senate, however, rejected the confirmation of Hannatu Musa (North-West) because she was unable to present her discharge certificate from the National Youths Service Corps.

Details later…