INEC chairman, Yakubu, steps aside, hands over to Mu’azu

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu on Monday handed over the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to AVM Ahmed Mu’azu (retd.) as acting chairman of the commission, pending his (Yakubu’s) clearance by the Senate.

Yakubu’s five-year tenure ended Monday but has been nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term.

Speaking at the ceremony, Yakubu noted it would be inappropriate for him to remain in office beyond November 9 without confirmation by the Senate.

He said, “You may recall that the current commission was inaugurated in three batches. The chairman and five commissioners were sworn in on 9th November, 2015, followed by another six commissioners on 7th December, 2016 and one more commissioner on 21st July, 2018.

“The commission is a constitutional body whose members are appointed for five years which may be renewed for a second and final term. This means that my tenure and that of the first set of five commissioners ends today.”

Yakubu also said, “As you are already aware, our work as election managers requires us to enforce the law, regulations and guidelines. In doing so, we must demonstrate strict respect for, and compliance with, the Constitution of Nigeria and subsidiary laws.

“Consequently, it will be inappropriate for me to remain in office beyond today, 9th November, 2020, without confirmation by the Senate and swearing to another oath of office as provided by law.”

According to him, pending the conclusion of the statutory process, the other national commissioners have resolved that Mu’azu should oversee the affairs of the commission.

“It is therefore my pleasure to hand over to him in the interim. We have worked as a team for the last four years. Therefore, there is nothing new to anyone of them,” he said.

He thanked members of the commission for their support, especially the Resident Electoral Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, the Director-General of the Electoral Institute, Directors.

He said he had enjoyed the tremendous support and cooperation of members of the technical team, heads of the various security agencies deployed to INEC and other personnel of the commission nationwide, adding that he looked forward to working with them again.

Mu’azu commended the outgoing chairman of INEC and his colleagues for the privilege and confidence reposed in him to oversee the commission.

He promised to handle the affairs of the commission with all due diligence.