By Joy Odor/Abuja
Senate has confirmed the appointment of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa as the pioneer Chairman/Chief Executive of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission following her nomination by President Muhammadu Buhari.
This followed the consideration of report by the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, chaired by Senator Rose Okoro, PDP-Cross River North, which had earlier screened the nominee.
Dabiri-Erewa, a former member of the House of Representatives, is presently the Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora to President Buhari.
Presenting the report, Senator Oko reminded her colleagues that Buhari’s request for the confirmation of the nominee was considered during plenary of November 21, 2018.
She said Dabiri-Erewa was qualified to occupy the position having been screened by the committee in accordance with the provisions of the nation’s Constitution.
“The committee, after a critical scrutiny of the curriculum vitae and other accompanying documents of the nominee, and having been satisfied about her integrity, exposure, suitability, competence and experience in politics and public service, found Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa as fit and proper person for appointment as chairman/chief executive officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission”, she said.
The chairman informed that Dabiri-Erewa hails from Ikorodu in Lagos State and was born on October 11, 1962.
Senator Oko added that the appointee holds Bachelor of Ars (English) in 1983; post graduate degree (Mass Communication) in 1986 while she also obtained a professional certificate from John Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, United States in June 2002.
Supporting the committee’s recommendation, Senators Olugbenga Ashafa, APC-Lagos East and Binta Masi-Garba, APC-Adamawa North, said Dabiri-Erewa has shown that she’s eminently qualified for the new position going by her pedigree and performances as the Presidential aide on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora.
In his remarks, the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki put the confirmation to a voice vote and it was adopted by the lawmakers after which he commended the committee for a job well done.
