Professor Mahmood Yakubu got the nod for Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a second term of five years in office as senate confirmed his appointment Tuesday.
This followed the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on INEC, which was presented by its Chairman, Kabiru Gaya, at plenary in Abuja.
Gaya said there was no incriminating report against Yakubu and that he displayed a high level of intelligence during screening, besides possessing the requisite qualification.
He added that the nominee had not participated in any political rally and was not a member of any political party.
Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege said Yakubu possesses the comportment, temperament and intelligence expected of the office he is occupying.
“President Muhammadu Buhari should be commended because he saw what the majority of Nigerians saw in the way and manner Prof. Yakubu conducted the affairs of INEC in the last five years,” he said.
The Deputy Senate President noted that by recommending Yakubu for a second term, the committee recognised the limitations placed on INEC by the Electoral Act.
“By this, they have come up with creative ideas on how we can sanitise the system by recommending the nominee,” Omo-Agege said.
Senator Sandy Onor (Cross River South) described Yakubu as “an unbiased umpire,” adding: “He’s moving in the right direction.”
