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Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has quit his position following expiration of the five-year tenure.
Prof. Yakubu who was reappointed as INEC Chairman by President Muhammadu Buhari, handed over to AVM Ahmed Mu’azu (rtd), as Acting Chairman, on Monday.
Mu’azu would take over affairs of the commission pending Prof. Yakubu’s confirmation by the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, the immediate past INEC Chairman noted that it will be inappropriate for him 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.
“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,” he said.
“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, 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.
“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.”
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