Senate confirms Dabiri-Erewa as Diaspora commission chairman

The Senate on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa as Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Diaspora Commission.

The approval of the appointment followed presentation and consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Rose Oko, who presented the report noted that having screened the nominee and after a careful scrutiny of the curriculum vitae and other accompanying documents of the nominee and having regard to Dabiri-Erewa’s exposure, experience in government, politics and public service, performance, qualifications and competence, recommended her to be confirmed as Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Diaspora Commission.

Oko recalled Dabiri-Erewa, among others, was the pioneer Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora from 2009-2011 and currently the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora.

The committee added it found Abike Dabiri-Erewa as fit and proper person for appointment as Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Diaspora Commission.

Although no senator opposed the confirmation, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, wondered why names of other members of the board of the commission were not listed.

He asked if the commission would operate with a sole administrator.

Senator Kabiru Gaya, who also spoke in like manner, prayed the Senate to push for the nomination of other members of the commission to enable it function effectively.

Senator Gbenga Ashafa commended the appointment of Abike Dabiri-Erewa describing it as putting a round peg in a round hole.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki said that appointment of Dabiri-Erewa is well deserved.

Saraki wished her a successful tenure of office.