Millions of Nigerians Tuesday celebrated in their homes, offices and in other places of work as the news filtered in that the Senate had bowed to their pressure by rejecting Lauretta Onochie’s nomination for confirmation as INEC commissioner.
Onochie, an unrepentant supporter of President Muhammadu Buhari – who also nominated her for the job – had told the Senate during her confirmation hearings that she was no longer a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)
At one of the newspaper stands in Kosofe Local Government Area, Lagos, youths who had gathered to discuss national politics, expressed happiness over the rejection of Onochie, who is presently a presidential aide on social media.
At a popular park in Ojota, Lagos, travellers also expressed happiness over the development.
However, an area of painful concern to them is the issue of electoral act amendment bill with electronic transmission of election results.
They told metrowatchonline.com that they also expect the National Assembly to heed the voice of Nigerians by allowing electronic transmission of election results in future election.
The Senate on Tuesday said its refusal to confirm Onochie was based on Federal Character Principle and to adhere strictly to the Act, just as the Senate said that she is from Delta and the state has May Agbamuche who is the Chairman, Legal Services, INEC.
The resolution of the Senate was sequel to the consideration of the Senator Kabiru Gaya, APC, Kano South led Senate Committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.