Sharp reactions have followed the directive of the Senate President Ahmad Lawan to the committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to screen Lauretta Onochie, a presidential aide, as commissioner of the electoral body.
Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari sent Onochie’s name to the upper chamber to be screened and confirmed for the position in October last year.
The president’s action attracted severe criticisms from a wide section of Nigerians.
Many Nigerians condemned the nomination because they believe Onochie is partisan. She is a staunch member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reacting to the latest development, rights activist, Aisha Yesufu said on Twitter:
“Laureta Onochie as INEC Commissioner is as wrong as wrong can be. She is APC member. If this is allowed then expect Garba Shehu as INEC chairman.”
Senator Shehu Sani said:
“INEC positions should be for non partisan Nigerians who should commit & dedicate themselves to conducting fair and credible elections. Appointing a partisan media aide who has openly antagonized and libellously defamed other parties pollute the impartiality of the electoral umpire.
Popular online influencer, Aproko Doctor tweeted:
“Lauretta Onochie has no business being the INEC commissioner. She’s partisan and that alone disqualifies her!
“It’s like telling a known Arsenal fan to be the referee in a match between Arsenal and Manchester United.
“Do we have a rule of law anymore in this country?”
Henry Shield: “On what basis is the Senate considering Lauretta Onochie, a Buhari’s Aide as an INEC Commissioner? Please educate me.”
Abdul Mahmud said: “Can you imagine the nonsense? Card carrying member of APC screened for an INEC position.”
INEC is currently trending at Number 2 with over 4,000 comments, mainly negative.
