I will Approach My Job with Courage, Say New INEC Boss
Pledges free, fair elections in Kogi, Bayelsa
Onyebuchi Ezigbo The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, yesterday said he would be courageous in the discharge of his duties and would ensure that his actions are always in line with the Electoral Act and the constitution.
Yakubu made the declaration yesterday at INEC headquarters, Abuja while formally resuming duties as INEC boss.
Speaking during a short handover ceremony, Yakubu said contrary to the notion that the INEC job was very difficult, he does not think so.
“I am not sure that it is really difficult, simply because the constitution is very clear. The roles and responsibilities of INEC are very clearly spelt out and the provisions of the electoral act are also very clear. Our responsibility is to ensure that in whatever we do, we are guided by the letter and spirit of the constitution. And these we are going to do with courage,” he said.
While pledging to be just to all, Yakubu promised not to fail the expectations of Nigerians, adding that “whatever we need to do, we will ensure that this is done courageously and according to the law.
“One of my bosses used to say that the public office has tenure, a minimum of one day and a maximum of the full tenure. In the case of the INEC, it is a minimum of a one day and a maximum of five years. In between is the privilege to serve. We will never ever fail this nation. We will be courageous in what we do and we will be courageous and just to all that we are supposed to serve,’’ he added.
Yakubu said he would build on the successes that were recorded by previous administrations, especially in the conduct of the 2015 general election.
``We have come a long way. We have had commendations both locally and internationally, in the conduct of the 2015 general election.
“As I said at the senate screening, our responsibility as a new commission is actually to consolidate and add value.
``Nations don’t make progress by always starting afresh; nations make progress because there is a building block on which we now build more,” he said.
Yakubu however commended the outgoing acting INEC Chairman, Hajia Amina Zakari, for overseeing the activities at the commission. He also called for the extension of the cooperation and understanding of all staff as he assumes office.
He siad he would also go through the note handed over to him, including the one by both local and international observers for proper implementation.
On her part, Zakari said with the inauguration of the new commission, comprising of six national commissioners, it had assuaged the fears of Nigerians as to its ability to conduct elections.
She explained that under her watch the commission successfully conducted two by-elections. Also, Zakari said that INEC had gone far in the preparations for the Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections.
Among the documents handed over to Yakubu were reports of the 2015 general election, some notes that may be of help in the conduct of free and fair elections in the future, as well as the preparations made so far for the conduct of Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections.
In his remark, Yakubu said he and the commissioners were going to swing into action immediately.
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