By Dele Ogbodo
The Nigerian telecommunications sector was agog with excitement on Tuesday, following the Upper Chamber’s confirmation of Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta’s
reappointment as Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for a second term of 5 years.
The Senate President, Mr. Ahmad Lawan, who gave the final seal during plenary session after the committee Chairman, on Communications, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who was represented by Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele presented the final report to entire Chamber.
On the swift confirmation and reappointment, Tinubu, stated that Danbatta’s pedigree and landmark achievements, especially during his first tenure evokes and speak volume of his sterling qualities, adding that the NCC boss met all laid statutory criteria.
According to her, the investigative background checks carried out by the committee further revealed Danbatta’s impeccable character.
Tinubu, said:
“I hereby rise to present the report of the Senate committee on Communications on the screening of Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta for reappointment as the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for second term of 5 years of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).”
She recalled that on Tuesday, 14th July, the Senate considered the reappointment of Prof. Danbatta as EVC/CEO of NCC for a second term and referred to the Committee on Communications for legislative action.
The committee, she said, carried out the screening exercise diligently, adding that the nominee responded brilliantly as being prepared to confront head on the challenges ahead.
Speaking further, she said: “The nominee met the statutory requirements which also validates his competency.
“Preliminary checks does not reveal any form of fraud, or vices on Danbatta’s record”
The motion was seconded by Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, who is also a member of the committee.
Also, expressing confidence in Danbatta’s confidence, Senator Barau Jibrin: Kano CentralSenatorial district, added that the committee did a good in the reappointment of Prof. Danbatta, for another 5 years.
Recall also that Danbatta, put up a mien during the screening demonstrating his versatile knowledge of the sector.
The committee members applauded him for his sterling performance and exceptional leadership qualities which, they said had helped in accelerating the growth of the telecoms sector.