Buhari sends two ministerial nominees to Senate for confirmation

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday forwarded names of two ministerial nominees – Stephen Ikani Ocheni (Kogi) and Suleiman Hassan (Gombe)- to Senate for confirmation.

Ocheni is to replace the late Minister of State for Labour, James Ocholi while Hassan will replace Amina Mohammed who was recently appointed the United Nations Deputy Secretary -General.

Hassan was one of the 47 ambassadorial nominees confirmed by the Senate last week.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, read the President’s letter on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday.

It will be captured in the Senate Order Paper before it will be referred to the relevant Senate Committee or considered in the committee of the whole.

The President’s letter read: “In accordance with section 147 (2) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended. I have the honour to forward the under listed ministerial nominees for confirmation of the Senate

“Stephen Nkani Ocheni (professor) Kogi State and Suleiman Zarma Hassan (Gombe State.)

“Copies of their curriculum vitae attached herewith.

“It is my hope that this exercise will receive the usual kind of expeditious consideration of the distinguished members of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”