Akpabio, Barau Clash Over Screening Of Ex-Senator for South-South Commission Board

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his deputy, Barau Jibrin, had a disagreement on Wednesday over the screening of former senator Tijani Yahaya Kaura before his confirmation as a board member of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC).

Kaura, who once represented Zamfara North in the Senate and previously chaired the Senate Committee on Federal Character, was nominated by President Bola Tinubu to represent the North-West zone on the SSDC board.

During the Senate’s plenary session, Deputy Senate President Barau questioned why Kaura, a former colleague, had to undergo screening at all.

He argued that given Kaura’s past role in the Senate, the chamber should have confirmed him without the usual vetting.

“The nominee was our colleague here. I don’t know why he went through screening. He should have been expressly given the nod,” Jibrin said.

“He chaired the committee on federal character and was one of us. So, it was an aberration to allow him to go through that process. Mr President, we should guard against this in the future.”

Despite Barau’s objections, the Senate went ahead and confirmed Kaura’s appointment after the SSDC committee reported that he met the qualifications for the position.

In response, Akpabio acknowledged Kaura’s experience and qualifications but stood by the Senate’s decision to carry out the screening process.

“We will not apologise for it, but what is worth doing is worth doing well. I congratulate Very Distinguished Senator Kaura. I hope that he will bring value to the SSDC,” said.

The South-South Development Commission is one of several new regional bodies set up to tackle social, economic, and environmental issues in the South-South region.

KanyiDaily recalls that the Senate recently removed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Chair of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations.