By Ayodele Oni
Senator Ayo Akintelure, PDP, Ondo state, and Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public sector has said the Presidency is on its own when it comes to appointments.
According to him, the National Assembly has no hand in “lopsided appointments” made by President Muhammadu Buhari during the five years of his administration.
The Senator, representing Ondo central at the red chamber told journalists in Akure, that federal appointments were not evenly distributed in line with the principle of federal character under the present administration.
“The National Assembly members should be absolved from the blatant disregard of Buhari to the federal character principles in appointments into key positions in the country.
“This might be responsible for the disunity and divisions that exist amongst the diverse ethno-religious communities in the country.”
The two-time lawmaker explained that the green chamber only screen appointments sent to the House and if those whose names were sent are qualified to hold such offices, the lawmakers have no option than to clear them.
“This is a glaring fact to all Nigerians, the APC and the man in charge, many of their policies had failed to comply with the federal character principle of engagement.
“But when appointments are sent to National Assembly, we only look at the qualifications to see if they are qualified and fit to hold such political office.
“We cannot usurp the power of the executive because there are certain power conferred on the President by the constitution and the President can hide under this power.
“So if these people are qualified for the positions, the National Assembly cannot but clear them. It is clear to all Nigerians that these federal appointments are not evenly distributed in line with the principle of federal character”
He was of the view that appointments into key positions should be evenly spread and devoid of religious, ethnic and regional considerations, saying this will help to foster national unity.
“Appointments into key positions must be on merit besides regional consideration to give every section of the country a sense of belonging.”
