Abuja — THE Senate, yesterday, called on Nigerians who have anything against nominees for the post of Chairman as well as National Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission that would disqualify them from occupying those positions to come forward with such information.

Addressing newsmen on the endorsement of Professor Attahiru Jega as the National Chairman-designate of the Commission, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Information, Senator Ayogu Eze, said the screening process of the nominees would be done transparently and in the full glare of the nation.

He said the Senate would treat the confirmation hearing expeditiously and would strive to meet the expectations of all Nigerians who crave credible elections.

His words: "You know that we are getting the Chairman and 10 new National Commissioners and I think we are prepared to do a thorough job of the screening exercise, more so when at this point in time, everybody is emphasizing the conduct of elections that would be credible and transparent, an election that all Nigerians will be proud of.

"We want that process of transparency to start with the screening and as usual, we are also going to screen the INEC Chairman and the commissioners in the open.

"There will be live cameras because we do not want to hide anything. We want to throw it open to Nigerians. If they have any information they think they need to bring on these candidates that can militate against their doing their work very well, they should bring it.

And of course there are procedures for bringing petitions to the Senate. It must be signed and sworn to in the court. If there are people who feel that they have something against the nominees let them bring it."