Former CJ gets Kogi Assembly confirmation as chairman, anti-corruption commission

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

Kogi State House of Assembly has screened and approved the appointment of former Chief Judge of the state, Justice Henry Adebola Olusiyi as Chairman of the state anti-corruption commission.

The House gave the approval at Thursday plenary after screening of the former Chief Judge following his nomination by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo alongside two others, Dauda Onimisi Bello and Dr Tseija Azubuju Seidu.

Bello and Seidu were nominated by the governor for the positions of Director of Operations and Director of Administration respectively.

The former Chief Judge was taken through question and answer session at the “Committee of the Whole” with members asking how he would bring his wealth of experience to bear on the fight against corruption.

Justice Olusiyi in his submission during the screening, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for taking the bold step to establish the commission in the bid to address issues of corruption in the state.

The former Chief Judge said he would be “gentle, fair, firm and courageous” in handling the affairs of the commission as he promised to justify the confidence reposed in him by the governor.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, who chaired the “Committee of the Whole” charged Justice Olusiyi as head of the agency to squarely address the issue of corruption in line with the mandate.

Rt Hon. Yusuf following the adoption of the Committee of the whole report declared, “The nominee is found suitable and qualified to serve as chairman of Kogi State Anti-corruption Agency.”

The other nominees Dauda Onimisi Bello and Dr Tseija Azubuju Seidu, nominated alongside the former CJ for screening and confirmation could not meet the Thursday screening at the Assembly.

The House therefore, slated next week for the screening of Bello and Seidu as they could not attend the Thursday screening as a result of breakdown of communication between them and the House. (Ends)