Guber polls: INEC bars Sokoto REC from office, directs Administrative Secretary to take over

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ordered the Sokoto State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Nura Ali, to stay away from the commission until further notice.

INEC gave the directive in a letter addressed to the Sokoto State office of the commission on Monday.

The electoral umpire, in a letter signed by its secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, directed the Administrative Secretary in Sokoto State, Hauwa Aliyu Kangiwa, to take full charge of the commission in the state with immediate effect.

“This is to inform you of the commission’s decision for you (Dr Nura Ali), Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sokoto State, to stay away from the commission’s office in Sokoto state immediately until further notice.

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“The administrative secretary is directed to take full charge of INEC, Sokoto State office with immediate effect,” the letter read.

INEC also ordered Hauwa to take full responsibility of all administrative and election in the state pending when the commission directed otherwise.

This came barely four days to the governorship and House of Assembly elections across the country.

INEC recently vowed to punish its officials for negligence in the February 25, 2023, presidential and National Assembly elections.

The chairman of the commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who made the vow during a meeting with the commission’s RECs in Abuja on Saturday, said the officials, including Collation and Returning Officers, found wanting in the just concluded elections would not be involved in the forthcoming governorship and House of Assembly elections.

“All staff found to be negligent, whether they are regular or ad hoc officials, including Collation and Returning Officers, must not be involved in forthcoming elections.

“RECs must also immediately initiate disciplinary action where prima facie evidence of wrongdoing has been established,” Yakubu had said.