TUE. 07 MARCH 2023-theGBJournal | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Administrative Secretary in Sokoto State, Hauwa Aliyu Kangiwa, has been ordered to take ‘’full charge’’ of the Commission’s office in the State with ‘’immediate effect.’’
‘’You are requested to take full responsibility of all issues off administration and election pending when the Commission directs otherwise,’’ INEC said in a statement Monday signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
INEC in the statement said that Kangiwa is expected to liaise with the Supervisory National Commissioner, Prof. Mhammad Sanni Kalla for further clarifications where necessary.
It is not clear the reason for the directive which effectively sacks the former administrator, Dr. Nura Ali, from office. Sources tell the G&BJournal that the exercise is part of a house-cleansing exercise that might occur across the country before March 11 Governorship election, and beyond.
‘’Ali can be considered as one of the first victims of the Commission’s disciplinary measure and inquest to the hugely vilified conduct of the Commission during the Presidential election,’’ according our source.
The INEC boss, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, in meeting last Saturday with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja warned that all staff of the Commission found to be negligent, ‘’whether they are regular or ad hoc officials,’’ including Collation and Returning Officers, must not be involved in the forthcoming elections.
He equally directed RECs to immediately initiate disciplinary action where ‘’prima facie evidence of wrongdoing has been established.
On the forthcoming guber election, the INEC boss also warned that RECs will be held responsible for any tardy arrangement ‘’or failure to deploy electric power generators to collation centres or polling units where such facilities are needed.’’
Meanwhile, a National Commissioner, Major Gen. A. B. Alkali and four senior officials have been deployed to Sokoto State to assist in the preparations and conduct of the forthcoming Governorship and State Houses of Assembly election.
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