Why Yakubu surrendered INEC to retired military official
As of today, Prof Mahmood Yakubu is not in charge of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Yakubu stepped aside after his five-year tenure expired on Monday. Retired military official Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Mu’azu, to whom Yakubu handed over, will oversee the affairs of the commission for the time being.
President Muhammadu Buhari has nominated to renew Yakubu’s tenure but the professor could not continue in office beyond the expiration of his tenure November 9.
“As you are already aware,” Yakubu said after handing power over to Mu’azu, “the renewal of my tenure as Chairman of the commission has been announced, subject to confirmation by the Senate.”
“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 (Monday, November 9) without confirmation by the Senate and swearing to another oath of office as provided by law.
“Pending the conclusion of the statutory process, the remaining National Commissioners have resolved that AVM Ahmed Mu’azu (retd) will oversee the affairs of the commission,” he said.
The Senate is on recess and will not consider screening and/or confirming Yakubu for another term until senators return to the red chambers on November 24, reports say.
Meanwhile, INEC national commissioner and chairman for Estate, Works and Transport Committee, representing North West, Engr. Abubakar Nahuche, resigned on Monday over “personal reasons”.
Five other national commissioners also retired from service during the brief handover ceremony held at the Conference Room at INEC Headquarters, Abuja.
The retirees are Hajiya Amina Zakari, Prof. Antonia Taiye Okoosi-Simbine, Alhaji Baba Arfo, Dr Mohammed Lecky and Prince Adedeji Solomon Soyebi.
A new Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Chukwuemeka Chukwu, representing Abia State, assumed office during the event.
