President Muhammadu Buhari has sworn in six National Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Those inaugurated were Mohammed Haruna (Niger State); Mrs Agbamuche Mbu (Delta); Okeagu Nnamdi (Abia); Major General Abubakar Alkali (rtd) (Adamawa); Professor Rada Gumus (Bayelsa); and Sam Elumeku (Ogun).
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While Haruna and Mbu were reappointed, the four others were newly appointed as INEC national commissioners.
In attendance at the brief swearing-in ceremony which took place at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Also present at the inauguration ceremony were Secretary to Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari; National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (Rtd); and some of the ministers scheduled to attend the weekly virtual Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
Speaking to State House reporters after the swearing-in ceremony, Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, said Nigerians should expect the best out of INEC now that the commission has the full complement of its commissioners.
“Well, it’s a good day for the commission, with the swearing-in of the six national commissioners, we have the full complements of 12 national commissioners. It’s coming three days to by-elections in four states of the federation and as we plan for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections.
“As we continue to prepare for the 2023 general elections, we’ll go on firing on all cylinders now that we have the full complement of commissioners and Nigerians should expect the best out of the commission,” he said.