By Milcah Tanimu

The Nigerian Senate has given approval to four out of five nominees forwarded by President Bola Tinubu to serve on the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The confirmed nominees are Mr. Robert Agbede, Mr. Ado Yakubu Wanka, Professor Muritala Sabo Sagagi, and Mrs. Muslimat Olanike Aliyu.

Their confirmation occurred on Thursday following the submission of a report by Senator Mikhail Adetokunbo Abiru, the Committee Chairman on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions, who represents Lagos East Senatorial District.

Senator Abiru stated that the nominees underwent satisfactory screening and emphasized that their nomination by President Tinubu adhered to Section 6(1)(10)(D) of the CBN Act.

During the confirmation process, Senator Abiru informed his colleagues that there were no petitions against any of the nominees, and no adverse security reports were issued by the Department of State Services (DSS) or the Nigeria Police. Additionally, he confirmed that the nominees had fulfilled the requirements of the Code of Conduct Bureau.

He further asserted, “The nominees possess industry knowledge and the capability to serve on the CBN board.”

However, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, disclosed that Urum Kalu Eke, his constituent, opted out of the nomination due to another commitment with the World Bank. Senator Kalu stated, “Mr. Urum is my constituent, and he called to express concerns about a conflict of interest in his nomination as a CBN board director. He wishes to decline, and he has already informed the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.”

Following discussions, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary, confirmed the nominees through a voice vote.