Ministerial nominees: Legal practitioners commend Senate confirmation of Tunji-Ojo

<p>A forum of the Human Rights Lawyers’ group, Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN), has lauded the Senate for confirmation of Ondo state nominee, Hon Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, along with 44 others screened and cleared by the Red Chamber.</p>, <p>Barristers Edward Omaga and Denning Akori, President and Director of Legal Services, respectively, of the Forum, gave the commendation on Tuesday at a press briefing.</p>, <p>Investigation revealed that some lawyers were agitating for the disqualification of Hon Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo based on alleged discrepancies in his Certificate of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).</p>, <p>The duo told journalists at the National Assembly shortly after the confirmation that they were at the Senate to monitor the proceedings for the group, having done preliminary investigations into controversy trailing the nominee’s NYSC certificate.</p>, <p>“One of the noblest things this 10th Assembly has done is not to condone mischiefs and blackmails. The Senate, though, gives the public listening ears in matters of national concerns, but it must also take its time to do proper investigation and crosscheck facts so the institution won’t be misled.</p>, <p>“The nomination of Rep Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the controversies around it are one that has caught our attention, knowing the calibres of people peddling issues around and calling on the Senate not to confirm him as Minister. We thank God the Senate did not listen to them. We hail the Senate for living above board.</p>, <p>“Rep Tunji-Ojo, though we have not met him or had personal contact with him before now, we understand he has been a Member of the 9th House of Representatives and served as Chairman of the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He contested again in 2023 and won convincingly. In each of the elections, he submitted his details to INEC. Where were these elements then? Why didn’t they raise issues?</p>, <p>“We have taken the pains of doing some background checks, and our findings are pointing towards the direct