IN a move to enhance oversight mechanisms, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated three new members to fill existing vacancies on the board of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB); this is even as he departs Abuja on Wednesday to begin a state visit to France in honour of an invitation from President Emmanuel Macron.
The announcement of the nominees was made in a formal letter addressed to the Senate President.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the nominees are Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle from Oyo State, Kennedy Ikpeme from Cross River, and Justice Ibrahim Buba, a retired judge of the Federal High Court.
Established in 1979, the Code of Conduct Bureau plays a critical role in maintaining integrity within public service and ensuring compliance with the country’s ethical standards.
The Bureau operates with a 10-member board.
On October 23, 2024, President Tinubu swore in the chairman of the board, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello.
The current board includes Barr. Muritala Aliyu Kankia, Hon. E J Agbomayinma, Barr. Ben Umeano, and Prof. Juwayriyya Badamasiuy.
Other members are Mr. Bulus I Zephaniah and Hon. Abdulsalam Taofiq Olawale.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian leader’s three-day visit to France will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition, promises significant benefits for Nigeria, according to Onanuga.
President Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will be received on Thursday at the 350-year-old French military museum, Les Invalides and Palais de l’Élysée, by Macron and his spouse, Brigitte, for initial ceremonies that will dovetail into bilateral meetings.
During the visit, President Tinubu and President Macron will harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.
Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication. They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.
Brigitte and Nigeria’s First Lady will discuss the latter’s passion for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
President Tinubu and his wife will be hosted at a state dinner by the French leader before their departure.
Top government officials will accompany President Tinubu on the trip.
Eighteen-Eleven Media