The re-nominated chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Monday handed over to a national commissioner, retired Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Mu’azu, pending the confirmation of his appointment by the Senate.
Daily Trust reports that Yakubu, whose first tenure ended on Monday, was re-appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari on October 27 as the chairman of the commission for a second term in office.
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The reappointment is, however, subject to Senate’s confirmation after its resumption of plenary on November 24.
Speaking before handing over to Mu’azu, Yakubu said it would be inappropriate for him to remain in office beyond yesterday without confirmation by the Senate.
“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.
“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 any of them,” Yakubu said.
I’ll act with due diligence – Mu’azu
Responding, retired AVM Mu’azu, said he accepted the responsibility reposed on him.
He said all the national commissioners at one point or another have acted in the absence of the chairman (Yakubu).
“I want to assure you that I will handle the affairs of the commission with due diligence,” Mu’azu stated.
Mu’azu performed his first official duty with the swearing in of a new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Chukwuemeka Joseph Chukwu, from Abia State.
The new REC’s oath of allegiance was administered by INEC Director of Legal, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, before Mu’azu did the swearing in and deployed the REC to Ebonyi State.
Born on September 6, 1957 in Gombe State, Mu’azu represents the North-east geo-political zone at the commission and supervises Adamawa, Taraba and Borno states.
He was also the chairman of the INEC Tenders Board (TB) Committee until his appointment as the acting chairman of the commission.
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