AVM AHMED MU’UAZU (RTD), TAKES OVER INEC AS ACTING CHAIRMAN.

Oru Leonard

As the tenure of Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu expired today November 9, 2020, has handed over to AVM Ahmed Mu’azu who is National Commissioner as Acting INEC Chairman.

In his handing over remarks, Professor Yakubu said 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.

He expressed his appreciation for the support given to him and pleasure to hand over to Mu’azu in the interim adding that they have worked as a team for the last four years.

He also recalled 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.

“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”, he stated

During his acceptance speech, the Acting Chairman, AVM Ahmed Mu’azu (rtd), thanked the outgone chairman of INEC and his colleagues for the privilege and confidence reposed in him to oversee the commission

He plegded to handle the affairs of the Commission with due diligent and commitment.