Fatima Alkali Declines Nigerian Law Reform Commission Appointment As Senate Confirms Nominees.
Fatima Alkali, one of three nominees appointed by President Bola Tinubu to serve as commissioners on the Nigerian Law Reform Commission (NLRC), has declined her nomination. The announcement came as the Nigerian Senate confirmed the appointments of the other two nominees, Professor Dakas C.J. Dakas (SAN) as Chairman and Dr. Uchenna Eugene Okolocha as Commissioner representing the South-South geopolitical zone, during a plenary session on Tuesday.
Alkali, who was selected to represent the North-East geopolitical zone, formally notified the Presidency of her decision to withdraw. The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, chaired by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (Ondo Central), disclosed her withdrawal during the presentation of its report at the National Assembly. The committee noted that Alkali communicated her decision directly to the Presidency, though no specific reasons for her withdrawal were provided in the report.
The Senate proceeded to confirm Professor Dakas and Dr. Okolocha following a thorough screening process. The committee’s report highlighted that both nominees demonstrated the necessary legal competence, public service experience, and integrity to serve on the commission. “After careful consideration, the committee found them suitable to advance the mandate of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission,” Adegbonmire stated. The confirmation was finalised through a unanimous voice vote.
Senators commended the qualifications of the confirmed nominees, particularly praising Professor Dakas, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and renowned constitutional law expert. Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), who participated in the debate, described Dakas’ academic and legal background as “intimidating,” noting that many senators could attest to his brilliance and character from their time as his classmates.
The committee urged the Presidency to nominate a replacement for Alkali from the North-East, preferably a woman, to ensure regional and gender balance in line with constitutional principles and inclusivity goals. “In the interest of fairness and national representation, we recommend a new nominee of equivalent professional stature,” Adegbonmire added.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio congratulated Professor Dakas and Dr. Okolocha, describing their appointments as “thoughtful and patriotic” and commending President Tinubu for prioritising merit in the nomination process. He emphasised the critical role of the NLRC in reviewing and modernising outdated laws to align with contemporary realities and global standards. “Their wealth of knowledge will be invaluable in reforming our legal framework to ensure justice and equity,” Akpabio said.
The Nigerian Law Reform Commission is tasked with updating legislation and recommending changes to enhance legal governance. The confirmation of Dakas and Okolocha is seen as a step towards strengthening Nigeria’s legal institutions, while the search for a new North-East nominee continues to maintain the commission’s diverse representation.
