President Muhmmadu Buhari has sworn-in Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, as the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC ), for the second term in office.
The swearing-in took place on Wednesday just before the commencement of the weekly virtual meeting of the Federal Executive Council, (FEC), in the Council Chambers, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Senate had on Dec. 1, confirmed Yakubu for re- appointment as Chairman of INEC to serve for another five years.
Yakubu’s confirmation by the Senate followed the presentation of the report of its Committee on INEC by the Chairman, Sen. Kabiru Gaya, during plenary.
Buhari on Nov. 25, asked the senate to confirm Yakubu for a second term in office, after he re-appointed him on Oct. 27.
Yakubu is the first to be reappointed to head the commission in recent history.
Yakubu, who spoke to State House correspondents after taking his oath of office, pledged to redouble efforts towards ensuring the conduct of free and fair elections in the country.
He reiterated the commitment of INEC to partner with the National Assembly (NASS) in ensuring speedy passage of the amendment of the electoral law.
“We have clearly demonstrated in recent elections that elections are getting better and they will continue to get better.
“The National Assembly is holding a public hearing on the amendment of the electoral legal framework.
“This is important and this time around, working with the National Assembly, we will ensure a speedy passage of the amendment bill and once it is assented to, it will help us enormously in confronting the challenges ahead.
