Although it had been the convention in the Senate that when at least two of the three senators from a state oppose a nominee, such nomination would not be confirmed.

The Senate, however, overruled itself on Roli, on the grounds that it could not reject a nomination without cogent reasons such as incompetence and ineligibility.

Senators Olugbenga Ashafa and Remi Tinubu tried hard to convince the Senate to stick to its convention and reject the nomination in line with its well known tradition.

Ashafa had read a letter written to President Goodluck Joanathan, presenting a nominee for the position, suggesting that the name submitted by Lagos State Governor might have been substituted along the line of communication.

“If the Governor of Lagos State had thanked the President for acceding to his request and furnished him with the name of the nominee representing Lagos State, which is not Roli Bode-George, at what point was the change made?” he asked.

The senator said the protest was not as a result of Roli’s state of origin, but her ability to protect the interest of Lagos State.

Tinubu, on her part, noted that the issue of population was sensitive and should be taken seriously, adding that it was necessary to have a representation that satisfies the people and government of Lagos State.

But most senators thought different, warning against any abuse of the conventions of the Senate.

Senator Uche Chukwumerije, in his contribution, said while some conventions are sacrosanct, others are not.

According to him, the argument by Ashafa and Tinubu is not sacrosanct, just as the recognition of the dual state of origin of the women.

“We should be careful not to reduce this to partisan politics. We may be sending a signal to the outside world on discrimination against women,” Chukwumerije said.

President of the Senate, David Mark, also drew the attention of senators to the fact that rejecting candidates on any grounds when there was nothing against their competence or attitude would not be accepted.

The Senate went ahead to consider the report of the committee and confirmed the Chairman, Chief Festus Odimegwu, and other members.

Only   Nwakanma Chimaobi representing Abia State was rejected on the grounds of ill health as recommended by the committee.