Bauchi Gov Briefs Buhari On Security, INEC’s Poll Flip
Governor Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State on Monday briefed President Muhammadu Buhari on the security implications of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s decision to cancel supplementary elections in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of the state.
The Governor has also threatened to drag INEC to court for allegedly usurping the role of the Returning Officer in the Bauchi governorship poll, insisting that when a Returning Officer in an election declares results, only the Election Petitions Tribunal has the powers to reverse such decision.
Governor Abubakar told State House correspondents after meeting with President Buhari behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja that he would emerge victorious after the process.
The Bauchi State Chief Executive, who has been to the Presidential Villa twice within one week, said the visit was to brief Mr President about current events in the State.
According to him, “I came to brief Mr. President about the situation in my state. I briefed him on the issues surrounding the inconclusive elections.
“The Returning Officer for Bauchi State, at the end of collation, rejected the result of Tafawa Balewa local government and then 36 other units spread around 15 local governments of Bauchi state and ordered a re-run.
“Surprisingly, we woke up one morning and the Independent National Electoral Commission came up with a procedure that is not known to law. Because, where a Returning Officer has declared the result, only an election petition tribunal can reverse the result.
“But INEC is attempting to reverse itself in the case of Bauchi. And when one juxtaposes that of Bauchi and other states with inconclusive elections, one wonders why that is happening only in Bauchi State.
“So, for that reason there is a need for me to come and brief Mr. President because what has the potential of touching on the security of the state.”
He said as a legal practitioner and former INEC Commissioner, the Commission (INEC)’s action was illegal, adding; “Of course, it is definitely illegal. It is a straight forward matter. The returning officer is the final arbiter even with respect to scores and declaration of result. And once he makes a declaration, no power can reverse that declaration except duly constituted court of the land.”
Reminded that INEC is an independent body and his visit could be considered an attempt to use the President to influence the result of the re-run election in Bauchi State, he said, “No no no. I said I came to brief Mr. President. I am not seeking any action of Mr. President.
“We all know Mr President; he is a stickler for procedure. What I pointedly told him was that I am not here to seek for you to interfere on our behalf sir but to brief you on what is happening and what actions I have taken.”
On his next line of action following INEC’s decision to cancel supplementary election in Tafawa Balewa local government area, Governor Abubakar said as as a lawyer, “I am pursuing the legal angle. I briefed him (President) and he emphasized on that legal angle that it is the best way to go.”
On the issue of security in Bauchi, Governor Abubakar said his administration was on top of the situation and that a ban on procession has been imposed in the metropolis. He also stated that the state was relatively calm and peaceful.
Asked whether he was not satisfied with the earlier meeting he had with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo last week that made him return to the State House to see the President, Governor Abubakar said President Buhari was the last authority in every situation in the country.
“There are procedures in this matter and levels of authority. I am a stickler for procedure, I started at the right place and I have also ended up at the right place”, he said
The Governor said he was prepared for any re-run election in the state, adding, “If they are going to do it now, we are ready. I don’t know who is afraid of anyone in Tafawa Balewa.” – Vanguard
