INEC CHAIRMAN, PROF. JEGA BOWS OUT, HANDS OVER TO AMBASSADOR WALI

 

In a brief ceremony in his office, the INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru M. Jega this afternoon handed over to one of the National Commissioners, Ambassador Mohammed Ahmad Wali. Ambassador Wali’s tenure as National Commissioner will expire on 11th August 2015.

 

Professor Jega explained to the National Commissioners who attended the handing over ceremony that he had written a letter to the President reminding him that his tenure would expire yesterday (29/6/2015) and that he had proposed to hand over to one of the National Commissioners whose tenure was yet to expire.

 

He thanked Ambassador Wali for accepting to act as Chairman of the Commission in spite of the short notice he was served.

 

Professor Jega gave the Acting Chairman the following documents:

·      Handing over notes;

·      Detailed reports with appendixes;

·      Reports from the departments;

·      Three attachments on specific reports/projects being funded by the Ford Foundation and UNDP;

·      Financial statement; and

·      Up to date Statement of Account.

 

Professor Jega said he was leaving gratified and thankful to Almighty Allah.

 

He thanked the National Commissioners for their camaraderie, teamwork and support. Said he: “May God Almighty continue to bless all of us and our future endeavours. I wish you the best.”

 

In his response, the Acting Chairman, Ambassador Mohammed Ahmad Wali quoted Shakespeare, saying Professor Jega came, saw and conquered.

 

Ambassador Wali lauded Professor Jega for raising the status of the Commission.

 

He said the six weeks during which he would serve will be critical as the Commissioners remaining had to work together to sustain the momentum of the reforms initiated under Professor Jega’s watch.

 

Ambassador Wali expressed confidence that with the support of his colleagues the Commission should be able to measure up.

 

He promised to host a befitting send off party for the outgone Chairman and the other National Commissioners whose tenures had expired.

 

Seven National Commissioners attended the ceremony. They are: Dr. Ishmael Igbani, Engr. Dr. Nuru Yakubu, Dr. Abdulkadir Oniyangi, Hajiya Amina B. Zakari, Dame Gladys Nne Nwafor, Barr. Thelma Iremiren, and Ambassador Lawrence Nwuruku.