BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – The Senate on Tuesday after consideration of the report of its Committee on the Electoral Matters, confirmed the nomination of Prof Mahmood Yakubu for appointment as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a second tenure.
Prof. Yakubu was first appointed as INEC chairman on October 21, 2015, by President Muhammadu Buhari and was re-nominated for a second tenure following the expiration of his first tenure in October this year.
The confirmation of Yakubu followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on INEC, chaired by Senator Kabiru Gaya (APC-Kano).
While presenting the committee’s report at plenary, Senator Gaya said Prof. Yakubu possessed the requisite qualifications for the INEC top job and therefore recommended his confirmation.
Curiously, some opposition senators, who spoke after the presentation of the report, supported the confirmation of the nomination of Prof. Yakubu, noting that he is unbiased and apolitical.
Leading the opposition political parties, Senate Minority leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe commended Prof. Yakubu for the technological innovations he introduced at INEC, especially the transmission of election results to the central portal from polling units.
Abaribe said that Yakubu is moving in the right direction and should be given the necessary support and was supported by Senator Sandy Onor (PDP, Cross River).
Before hitting the garvel for the confirmation of the INEC boss, President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan congratulated Prof. Yakubu and wished him success in his second tenure.
