The human rights lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) stated categorically that he will not be surprised if the Lawan-led Senate, confirms Lauretta Onochie as a Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The Senior Special Assistant on New Media to President Buhari, Lauretta Onochie’s nomination has elicited public criticism from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and civil society organizations on the grounds that she is an alleged card-carrying member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and is not proper to be appointed as an election officer.

Speaking to The PUNCH, Ozekhome said the senate might clear Onochie despite widespread criticism.

He stated that by confirming Onochie, the Ahmad Lawan-led Senate would only be reinforcing itself as “arguably the worst in Nigeria’s legislative history since the golden days of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. Nwafor Orizu and the 8th National Assembly.”

He stated that Onochie’s nomination for the INEC job was faulty, because of her affiliation with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawyer pointed out that the 62-year old female politician is a diehard devotee of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Have they ever read the constitution? Do they know the meaning of the word ‘independent’ attached to our electoral umpire?” Ozekhome asked.

“What would you expect from such a rapidly partisan woman other than outright and unbridled rigging of any elections she presides over or is involved in?

“She is simply a direct participant and beneficiary in any such elections.

“No one has been known to fail himself or herself in an examination in which such a person is both invigilators, marker, examiner, and marks awarder.”