EXCLUSIVE: Buhari replaces Lauretta Onochie with Rhoda Gumus, another card-carrying member of APC
Rhoda Gumus, President Muhammadu Buhari’s replacement for Lauretta Onochie, is a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Peoples Gazette can report.
Ms Gumus, an engineering professor at Niger-Delta University, was tapped by the Nigerian leader last month to replace Ms Onochie, his controversial aide on new media.
Ms Onochie’s nomination was rejected by the Nigerian Senate in July last year, amidst relentless opposition over her bias and toxic personality.
Mr Buhari, on December 14, asked the Senate to confirm Ms Gumus as Ms Onochie’s replacement for INEC commissioner representing the South-South geopolitical zone. Senators have commenced confirmation hearings and may approve Ms Gumus’ nomination.
However, The Gazette has just obtained Ms Gumus’ registration documents that confirm her membership of the ruling party, an action that would violate the Nigerian Constitution if allowed to stand.
Registration documents show Ms Gumus became a member of the APC on March 27, 2021, at Ward 08 in Yenagoa. Her membership number is 58315. Her name is also on the register of the party, and pressure groups within the ruling party have already congratulated her as a member.
If Ms Gumus is confirmed, she will lead the South South geopolitical zone for INEC, a position Mr Buhari had wanted Ms Onochie to occupy, according to people familiar with the political maths of the president. But the Third Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution prohibits appointment of anyone who is a card-carrying member of a political party as INEC commissioner. Senators dropped Ms Onochie last year on the same ground.
Ms Gumus did not return messages seeking comments from The Gazette about her membership of the APC.
But a group led by political activist Deji Adeyanju has already petitioned the Senate to reject Ms Gumus on constitutional grounds. Mr Adeyanju, in the letter addressed to Senate President Ahmed Lawan and copied to members of the committee on INEC, said Ms Gumus’ nomination should not be allowed to scale through because it will compromise the nation’s electoral integrity.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Lagos
Lagos VIS impounds 50 rickety commercial buses
The VIS director advised vehicle owners to adopt voluntary compliance with roadworthiness.
NationWide
Military declares prof, seven others wanted over alleged killing of 17 soldiers in Delta
The wanted persons include seven men and one woman.
NationWide
Implementation of attractive road map will boost blue economy: Peterside
“For blue economy to thrive, most important factor today in Nigeria is security.’’
Faith
Archbishop Kaigama advises priests on selflessness, dedication to duty
“The Lord offers us His love and redemption through the price He paid on the cross.’’
NationWide
Killers of soldiers on peace mission in Delta won’t go unpunished: Tinubu
They went as peacemakers and peacekeepers respectfully seeking to bring an end to the hostilities between the two communities.
Sport
Friendly: Coach Finidi George praises Super Eagles despite Mali’s victory
“It was not a bad one. We won one and lost the other.’’