Jonathan seeks speedy screening for Okonjo-Iweala
By Gbade Ogunwale 5 hours 24 minutes ago
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Jonathan seeks speedy screening for Okonjo-Iweala

•Drops Tonye Cole



President Goodluck Jonathan has  sent the name of World Bank Managing Director, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to the Senate for screening and approval.

He also wrote the Senate  to withdraw the nomination of Mr. Tonye Cole, whose name was sent last week for screening.

Through separate letters, Jonathan urged the lawmakers to expedite action on Mrs Okonjo-Iweala’s screening, promising to send replacement for Cole, a nominee from Rivers State.

The Senate has been sued by three indigenes of Lagos State - Messrs Funsho Ibrahim, Rahman Pedro and Tajudeen Ogboye.

They are asking the Federal High Court, Abuja, to stop the Senate from approving the nomination of Mr. Olusegun Aganga as a minister.

Also sued are President Goodluck Jonathan; the Attorney-General of the Federation and Aganga.

On behalf of the plaintiffs, their counsel, Mr. Bob Olukoye said the respondents had been served with the notice.

In the affidavit in support of the originating summons deposed to by Tawakalitu Sule, the plaintiffs averred among others “that Aganga is not an indigene of Lagos State, but that of Sabongida Ora, Edo State.

“That if the Senate approves the nominee, it would rob indigenes of Lagos State their fair share of representation in the Federal Executive Council.”

They asked the court to declare that it is unconstitutional for the President to nominate Aganga to take the slot of Lagos when he is actually not from the state.

The plaintiffs  said it is unconstitutional for the Senate to confirm the nominee under the circumstances.

They said the Senate cannot lawfully approve the nomination of Aganga, who is not an indigene of Lagos, to represent the state in the cabinet.

Aganga’s name was the first in the 20 names of nominees in yesterday’s order paper for screening before the exercise was deferred till today.

The World Bank yesterday said Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala is still in its employment.

Its spokesperson was quoted as saying that the Bank is aware that she had travelled to Nigeria for consultation with President Jonathan.

Jobless ibo man

seanet02:

Jobless ibo man

I did tell you a few days ago that you will lose. Sorry, cry more for me. We may not be in charge at Aso Rock, but we are in charge in what matters most to the people: economy, power, health. labour. Hhahahah!

Yes ZnO, you SE are indeed in charge!

The chair goes North in 2015 for a new "charge".

Make the most of this time.