From: Fred Itua, Abuja

Sen. Kabiru Marafa who represents Zamfara Central in the upper chamber, on Thursday, descended on his state governor and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Abdulaziz Yari, over his opposition to the confirmation of a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Ahmed Bello Mahmoud.

Mahmoud was nominated by President Muhammadu as the REC representing Zamfara State. His name was referred to the Senate committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for further consideration.

His nomination was, however, opposed by Governor Yari and a Senator from Zamfara State, Tijjani Kaura. According to the governor, his opposition to Mahmoud’s nomination was based on a claim that he did not hail from the state.

Governor had claimed the nominee hails from Sokoto State. Sen. Kaura, on the other hand, claimed that the nominee hails from Kebbi State and should, therefore, not be confirmed to represent Zamfara State as a REC.

Governor Yari, it was learnt, petitioned the Senate and President Buhari to withdraw the nomination and appoint an indigene of the state to occupy the position.