THE Senate has approved the request by President Bola Tinubu to appoint 20 special advisers.
The Senate approved the request after a voice vote during plenary on Tuesday, June 6.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan, who conveyed the President’s request to the lawmakers, said: “Because there is no name for special advisers, we will just approve it from here. We feel that that this is something of utmost urgency.”
A letter from the President concerning the request was read by Lawan during plenary.
The letter was, however, silent on the names of those to be appointed.
Senator representing Sokoto East Ibrahim Gobir moved a motion to consider the approval of the request, which was seconded by Minority leader Philip Aduda.
On Friday, June 2, Tinubu made his first major appointments, choosing the Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
The President appointed current House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff, despite still holding his position in the National Assembly.
The appointment had come after days of speculations that Gbajabiamila was favoured to occupy the position.
Tinubu appointed former governor of Benue State and immediate past Minister of Special Duties George Akume as SGF.
He also appointed former Jigawa State Deputy-Governor and senator currently representing Jigawa North-East Ibrahim Hassan Hadeija as Deputy Chief of Staff.
Ijeoma Opara is a journalist with The ICIR. Reach her via vopara@icirnigeria.org or @ije_le on Twitter.