By Chris Steven, Abuja
Professor Mahmood Yakubu has handed over as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Yakubu handed over on Monday at the headquarters of the Commission to Ahmed Mu’azu, a retired Air Vice Marshall who would oversee the affairs of the commission pending when the Senate confirms his renomination for the post by President Muhammadu Buhari.
“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 December 7, 2016, and one more Commissioner on July 21, 2018,” he said during the event.
“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.”
“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.”
He stated that it would be inappropriate for him to remain in office beyond Monday, November 9, 2020, without confirmation by the Senate and swearing to another oath of office as provided by law.
“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.”
“I wish to 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. I look forward to working with you again.”