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Nigerian Senate to Decide Hearing on VP Nominee

   Peter Clottey 17 May 2010
   Mohammed Namadi Sambo

Photo: www.kadunastate.gov.ng

   Architect Mohammed Namadi Sambo will be vetted by Nigeria's senate

   Nigeriaâs  Senate  will  decide  Tuesday  when  to  begin confirmation
   hearings  on  President  Goodluck Jonathanâs choice of vice president,
   said Ayogu Eze, chairman of the Committee on Information and Media.

   He  said  lawmakers  will  be thorough in the confirmation hearings to
   ensure the interest of ordinary Nigerians is served.

   âWe  are  going  to read the official communication from the president
   making  the  nomination  of  the  present  governor  of  Kaduna state,
   architect  Namadi  Sambo.  And  then,  thereafter,  we will decide, in
   plenary,  which  date  and time we are going to handle the approval as
   provided   for   in   section  146,  sub-section  three  of  the  1999
   constitution,â he said.

   President Jonathan was sworn in earlier this month as Nigeriaâs leader
   following  the death on 5 May of former President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua,
   who died after a long ailment.

   Last  week,  Mr.  Jonathan  chose  Namadi  Sambo, governor of northern
   Kaduna state, as his vice president pending approval by both houses of
   Nigeriaâs parliament.

   Senator  Eze  expects  the  confirmation  hearing to be completed this
   week.

   âEverything  will be concluded within this week because of the urgency
   of  the  situation.  And,  we know that the country does not have much
   time  to waste and we will do everything to make sure that we conclude
   the assignment this week,â Senator Eze said.

   The 55 year-old Sambo, who is an architect, was elected as governor of
   Kaduna state in 2007.

   Senator  Eze  said  lawmakers will ascertain the qualities of Governor
   Sambo during the confirmation hearing.

   âMembers  of  the senate will be looking at his suitability, his track
   record,  his  persona  and  we will be able to make up our minds about
   whether  we  believe that he will be the best man for the job or not,â
   Senator Eze said.

   He  also  said  the  senate will be swift and fair in the confirmation
   hearings.

   Analysts  say  governor Sambo is expected to be confirmed as Nigeriaâs
   vice  president  due  to the overwhelming majority the ruling Peopleâs
   Democratic  Party  (PDP)  enjoys  in  both  lower  and upper houses of
   parliament.

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