Professor Yakubu takes over as President of INEC
Air Deputy Marshal Ahmed Muazu (ret.) Chaired the Independent National Election Commission on Monday.
This came after Professor Mahmoud Yakubu stepped aside awaiting Senate approval.
Yakubu said: “You remember that the current Commission opened on three lots. The President and five Commissioners were sworn in on November 9, 2015, followed by six other Commissioners on December 7, 2016, and another Commissioner on July 21, 2018.
“The Commission is a constitutional body whose members are appointed for five years, which can be renewed for a second and final term. This means that my mandate and that of the first group of five commissioners will end today.
“As you already know, it has been announced that my mandate as President of the Commission will be renewed subject to Senate approval. Our work as election officials requires us to comply with laws, regulations and guidelines. In doing so, we must demonstrate strict adherence to the Nigerian Constitution and supplementary laws.
“As a result, it will be inappropriate for me to remain in office after today, November 9, 2020, without confirmation by the Senate and the adoption of a new oath in accordance with the requirements of the law.
“Pending the completion of the legislative process, the remaining National Commissioners decided that AVM Ahmed Mu’azu (retd) would oversee the Commission’s affairs.
“Therefore, I am delighted to deliver it to you in the meantime. We have been working as one team for the last four years. Therefore, there is nothing new for any of them.
“I would like to express my gratitude for the support of the Commissioners, permanent members of election commissions, the Secretary of the Commission, the Director General of the Electoral Institute, directors, members of the technical team, heads of the various security services housed in INEC and all Commission staff at the national level. I can’t wait to work with you again. “
