The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu today handed over the affairs of the Commission to Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Mu’azu (rtd.) following the expiration of his first term in Office today.
In a brief remark at the handover ceremony, Prof. Yakubu who recalled that the current Commission was inaugurated in three batches disclosed that 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.
He added that the Commission is a constitutional body whose members are appointed for five years which may be renewed for a second and final term even as he informed that his tenure and that of the first set of five Commissioners ended today.
The INEC boss who was reappointed recently by President Muhammadu Buhari further stated that “As you are already aware, 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, 9th November, 202, without confirmation by the Senate and swearing to another oath of office as provided by law.”
He added that “Pending the conclusion of the statutory process, the remaining National Commissioners have resolved that AVM Ahmed Mu’azu (rtd) will 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 however “express my appreciation for the support of the Commission members, the Resident Electoral Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, the Director-General of the Electoral Institute, Directors, members of the technical team, heads of the various security agencies deployed to INEC and all staff of the Commission nationwide” while looking forward to working with them again.
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