The senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment
of Sylvanus Nsofor, an 82-year old nominee from Imo
state.

A Department of State Services (DSS) report had
suggested that Nsofor was unfit to hold office owing to
his age.

But the upper legislative chamber confirmed his
appointment after considering a report of the
committee of foreign affairs.

The senate had twice rejected the appointment of
Ibrahim Magu, acting chairman of the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), citing a DSS
report.

Although the upper legislative chamber had rejected
Nsofor’s appointment, President Muhammadu Buhari
re-nominated him.

Two other non-career ambassadorial nominees were
also confirmed. They are Joseph Iji from Ondo state
and Yusuf Hinna from Gombe state.

Earlier, Monsurat Sunmonu, chairperson of the senate
committee on foreign affairs, said Nsofor performed
well when he appeared before the committee a second
time.

Sunmonu explained that though, the DSS, in its report,
said that Nsofor would not be able to perform his
duties due to his advanced age, the committee
resolved to give him a chance to serve.

“He was rejected and the presidency sent his name
back to reconsider. Hon Justice Nsofor is 82 years old
– as opposed to being sarcastic and frail when he first
appeared before this committee for screening,” she
said.

“The nominee answered all questions appropriately
and his appearance was better than the previous one.

The DSS report still maintained that he will not be able
to perform the duty of an officer due to his advanced
age. However, the committee believes that he should
not be penalised based on age since he was able to
demonstrate the necessary skills during the exercise.

“The DSS report did not state any criminal report
against this candidate. Hence the committee resolved
to give him a chance. The committee is satisfied with
his second appearance and performance.”

She said Iji responded well when he appeared before
the committee.

Sunmonu added that Hinna was “very frank and
elaborately responded to questions during the
screening exercise”.

TheCable