By Peter Oriri
The Nigerian Senate was thrown into a storm of disappointment today as the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs, chaired by Distinguished Senator Allwell Onyesoh (Rivers East), suspended its high-profile investigative hearing with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) due to the absence of its National Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu. The Committee also postponed the hearing involving the Police Service Commission (PSC) over unresolved discrepancies.
The Committee, in a stern warning, described Professor Yakubu’s non-appearance as a “blatant disregard for the authority of the Nigerian Senate” and an affront to a critical national engagement aimed at uncovering deep-rooted inequalities in job placements, federal appointments, and infrastructure development across the country.
“All heads of agencies are expected to appear in person,” Senator Onyesoh declared. “We will not accept proxies or representatives on matters as crucial as this. The INEC Chairman must respect this institution and the Nigerian people.”
INEC was represented by its Executive Secretary, Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, but her presence did not satisfy the Committee, which unanimously resolved to adjourn the hearing until 2 p.m. tomorrow, with a clear mandate that Professor Yakubu must appear.
The investigation is focused on allegations of skewed distributions and marginalization in INEC’s operations, a matter the Senate Committee considers vital to the principles of equity and national unity.
The hearing also took up issues with the Police Service Commission (PSC), whose delegation was led by its Chairman, retired Deputy Inspector General Hashimu Argungu, mni. In his submission, Argungu admitted to discrepancies in the commission’s records and requested a three-week extension to reorganize and present a comprehensive report.
In a firm but diplomatic response, the Committee granted the extension but emphasized accountability. Senator Onyesoh directed the Commission to come back with exhaustive documentation — including lists of officers due for retirement who are still in service, and those who received accelerated promotions without adherence to due process.
Adding to the scrutiny, the Committee’s Vice Chairman, Senator Diket Plang, called for a detailed breakdown of police personnel distribution from local governments to states and geopolitical zones. “Any lopsidedness in the Nigerian Police will destabilize the nation,” he warned. “We must see equity reflected across every rank and region.”
The Senate investigation highlights the growing concern over institutional favoritism and lack of transparency among government institutions, a situation the Committee insists must be corrected to foster trust and national cohesion.
As Nigerians await the appearance of INEC’s Chairman tomorrow, the eyes of the nation are locked on the Senate, which seems poised to demand full transparency from agencies whose actions have far-reaching implications on fairness and unity in Nigeria.
