President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday urged the Senate to consider and confirm the nomination of Ambassador Ismael Abba Yusuf for appointment as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
In a separate request, the President also sought the confirmation of Rear Admiral Jemila Abubakar Marafa (Rtd.) from Adamawa State as a National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The requests were conveyed in two letters transmitted to the Senate and read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In the letters, President Tinubu urged the red chamber to give expeditious consideration to the nominations in line with constitutional provisions. He expressed confidence in the nominees’ experience and capacity to effectively discharge the responsibilities of their respective offices if confirmed.
The nomination of Ambassador Yusuf as NAHCON chairman comes at a critical time as the commission continues preparations for upcoming Hajj operations and works to improve coordination, welfare, and logistics for Nigerian pilgrims.
Similarly, the nomination of Rear Admiral Marafa (Rtd.) as INEC National Commissioner is expected to strengthen the electoral body’s leadership structure as it continues reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The Senate is expected to refer the nominations to the relevant committees for screening and subsequent report back to the plenary for confirmation.
