Senate Panel Clears Retired Rear Admiral Malafa for INEC Appointment

Timescope news 

The Senate Committee on Electoral Matters has approved the nomination of Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar-Sadiq Malafa (Rtd), mni, for appointment as a National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The screening, which took place today, was presided over by the Committee Chairman, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, who represents Plateau South Senatorial District. The nominee, who hails from Adamawa State, is earmarked to represent the North East geopolitical zone on the electoral body.

During the interactive session, Senator Lalong and members of the Committee scrutinized the nominee's professional background, integrity, and grasp of Nigeria's electoral laws. Discussions centered on her vision for strengthening the nation's electoral process, with a focus on critical issues such as electoral reforms, transparency, and inclusivity.

The Committee also sought her perspectives on leveraging technology to deepen credible elections, improving voter education, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and safeguarding the operational independence of INEC.

Responding to questions, Rear Admiral Malafa (Rtd) assured the panel of her unwavering commitment to uphold the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the core values of transparency, neutrality, and professionalism in the discharge of her duties, if confirmed by the wider Senate.

Following what it described as a thorough screening exercise, the Committee approved her nomination and will now present its report to the full Senate for further legislative consideration and final confirmation.

In his remarks, Senator Lalong reaffirmed the Committee's dedication to recommending only qualified and competent individuals for strategic positions within INEC. This, he noted, is essential to sustaining and strengthening public confidence in Nigeria's democratic process.