The Nigerian Senate is all set to resume its legislative duties after a six-week break, with a primary focus on conducting critical screenings for key appointments. At the forefront of this agenda is the screening for the position of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, with Olayemi Cardoso emerging as the leading candidate for this influential CBN governor role. The Senate is also poised to evaluate the qualifications of four deputy governors for the CBN, all of whom were appointed by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement released by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, it was revealed that the screening of the CBN Governor and his deputies will be a top priority when the Senate resumes on Tuesday, September 26. The Senate intends to deliberate on Dr. Cardoso’s candidature within the Committee of the Whole, ensuring a thorough and comprehensive assessment.
The screening process for the CBN governor will not occur in isolation; it will be accompanied by the evaluation of four deputy governor nominees: Mrs. Emem Nnana Usoro, Mr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi Dattijo, Mr. Philip Ikeazor, and Dr. Bala M. Bello. This collective evaluation underscores the Senate’s commitment to ensuring the competency and suitability of the entire CBN leadership team.
In addition to the screening of the CBN governor and his deputies, the Senate is also scheduled to conduct screenings for two newly appointed ministers on October 3. Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim and Mr. Ayodele Olawande have been designated as the Minister of Youth and Minister of State for Youth, respectively, by President Tinubu.
President Tinubu Nominates Olayemi Cardoso as CBN Governor
President Tinubu nominated Mr. Cardoso as the acting CBN Governor on September 15, and he assumed office immediately. However, his official confirmation is pending the Senate’s assessment. Similarly, the four deputy governors nominated by President Tinubu are awaiting Senate confirmation for their five-year terms.
Furthermore, President Tinubu nominated Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim and Mr. Ayodele Olawande as the Minister of Youth and Minister of State for Youth, respectively, on September 17. Their appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.
As Nigeria’s Senate reconvenes, these screenings take centre stage, promising significant implications for the nation’s financial stability and the empowerment of its youth.