Sans legislative filibustering, the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday confirmed Prof Mahmood Yakubu as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a second term of five years.
The motion that paved the way for considering of the report by the Committee on INEC was moved by the Chair if the Committee, Kabiru Gaya and seconded by Senator Haliru Jika.
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for nominating Yakubu for a second term, saying this was the first time any Chairman of INEC was re-nominated.
According to him, “Let me thank the Committee on INEC for bringing forth what most of us do not know.
“I stand to support this nomination not because of all that have been said about him but because of the way he has carried out the affairs of INEC.
“I have worked with him and I am very happy that he is ready to carry out most of the report submitted by the INEC Committee. So I support this nomination.”
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe said that “the Heads of INEC usually come into Senate and we act in Committee of the Whole in plenary.
“Certain positions like the INEC position means that if after the term of office there are new experiences that he has gathered that we all need to ventilate.
“But what is important for us is to make sure that votes count and votes matter.”
Senator Sam Egwu said, “I want to commend the report of the Committee on INEC and I will say that I am not disappointed. When I was a Minister, I worked with Professor Mahmood Yakubu, and so I am not surprised about all that have been said about him.
“I want to urge him to continue the good work and to ensure that our elections are free and fair, and that the votes of Nigerians will continue to count.:
Senator Sirajudeen Ajibola said, “I join other colleagues in supporting this nomination because the importance of electoral integrity is very crucial to democracy and to development. I join my colleagues to recommend that this nomination is confirmed.”
Senator Emmanuel Bwacha said, “Professor Mahmood Yakubu distinguished himself. Experience is key in accessing the performance of a public servant.
“The reports here have shown that in the last year, Professor Mahmood is well experienced and has done well.
“Let us give him the opportunity to do more and to bring in new ideas that we need especially in this time of our political system.”
The Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole to consider the report of the Committee on INEC on the confirmation of the nomination of Yakubu.
Yakubu’s nomination was confirmed as Chairman, INEC in plenary.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
