The Senate Committee on National Identity Card and National Populationon Tuesdaycommenced screening of 23 nominees as members of the National Population Commission.

The nominees are Nwanne Nwabushi, Abia; Dr Clifford Zirra, Adamawa; Mr Chidib Ezeake, Anambra; Mr Isah Buratai, Borno; Navy Capt. Charles Ogwa (rtd), Cross River.

Others are Richard Odibo, Delta; Mr Okereke Onwabishi, Ebonyi; Mr Olusegun Aiyejina, Edo; Ajike Ezeh, Enugu; Abubakar Danburam, Gombe and Prof. Uba Nabue, Imo.

Also in the list are Abdulmalik Durunguwa, Kaduna; Suleiman Lawal, Kano; Prof. Jimoh Isah, Kogi; Dr Sa’adu Alanamu, Kawara; Nasiru Kwarra, Nasarawa and Mr Aliyu Datti, Niger.

The others are Mrs Seyi Olusanya, Ogun; Dr Olanadiran Iyantan, Ondo; Sen. Mudashiru Hussain, Osun; Mrs Cecilia Dapoet, Plateau; Dr Ipalibo Harry, Rivers and Sale Saany, Taraba.

In his remarks, Chairman of the committee, Sen. Suleiman Hunkuyi, said that the committee would apply due diligence in the screening.

“We have gone through the curricula vitae and we are happy with the quality of individuals that have been forwarded to us.

“This is not to flatter you but to charge those of you that will eventually scale through to deliver.

“This is because the NPC can be called a specialised agency as once you mention the commission, one of the major things that comes to mind is National Census.

“Census issues are extremely sensitive and though apolitical, can be very political.

“They are issues that bother on population, hence a lot of times they translate into indices of distribution of the wealth of our dear nation,” he said.

The chairman stated that the sensitivity of the job specification informed the representation of each state in the commission.

He said: “You know the assignment will come with different challenges.

“There are other agencies of government but you were nominated to be confirmed into this agency.” (NAN)