President Muhammadu Buhari, Tuesday night, reversed the decision of the immediate past chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, to hand over to one of the National Commissioners, Ambassador Mohammed Ahmad Wali, by officially appointing Mrs. Amina Bala Zakari as the Acting Chairman of the electoral agency with immediate effect.
Following the conclusion of his term of office on Tuesday, Prof. Attahiru Jega, it would be recalled, at a brief ceremony in his office, Tuesday afternoon, handed over to one of the National Commissioners, Wali, whose tenure as National Commissioner will expire on 11th August 2015.
Professor Jega explained to the National Commissioners who attended the handing over ceremony that he had written a letter to the President reminding him that his tenure would expire yesterday (29/6/2015) and that he had proposed to hand over to one of the National Commissioners whose tenure was yet to expire.
However, a statement signed by the Director Communications Haruna R Imrana for the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Tuesday night, confirmed the official appointment of Mrs Zakari by President buhari, a move which effectively ended the tenure of Wali in less than 24 hours.
“Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Barr. Danladi Kifasi who conveyed the appointment in a letter, said it is with effect from 30th of June 2015 until the appointment of a substantive Chairman,” the statement read.
Mrs. Zakari is presently also National Electoral Commissioner at INEC.
Jega, had at his brief valedictory ceremony inside the INEC office in Abuja, thanked Ambassador Wali for accepting to act as Chairman of the Commission in spite of the short notice he was served.
Professor Jega said he was leaving gratified and thankful to Almighty Allah.
He thanked the National Commissioners for their camaraderie, teamwork and support. Said he: “May God Almighty continue to bless all of us and our future endeavours. I wish you the best.”
Remarking, Ambassador Wali while lauding Jega for raising the status of the Commission, said the six weeks during which he would serve will be critical as the Commissioners remaining had to work together to sustain the momentum of the reforms initiated under Professor Jega’s watch.
Ambassador Wali expressed confidence that with the support of his colleagues the Commission should be able to measure up.
He promised to host a befitting send off party for the outgone Chairman and the other National Commissioners whose tenures had expired.
Seven National Commissioners attended the ceremony. They are: Dr. Ishmael Igbani, Engr. Dr. Nuru Yakubu, Dr. Abdulkadir Oniyangi, Hajiya Amina B. Zakari, Dame Gladys Nne Nwafor, Barr. Thelma Iremiren, and Ambassador Lawrence Nwuruku.
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