I’m nobody’s stooge, says new INEC boss

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While stating that he would not kowtow to undue pressure from any quarter, the new INEC boss also pledged to immediately adjust to the working conditions of the electoral body in order to deliver on his mandate.

Speaking yesterday after a brief handing-over at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, Yakubu said there was no time for laxity, expressing the resolve of his team to swing into action and deliver credible governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states.

Stating that he would be fearless in arriving at critical electoral decisions, Yakubu said his job is well-cut out for him as the constitution is very clear on his powers and limitations.

He said, “I am not sure that it is really difficult, simply because the constitution is very clear.
“The roles and responsibilities of INEC are very clearly spelt out and the provisions of the electoral act are also very clear.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that in whatever we do, we are guided by the letter and spirit of the constitution. And these we are going to do with courage.

“Whatever we need to do, we will ensure that this is done courageously and according to the law.”

Promising to build on the legacies of his predecessor, Yakubu also promised to be just to all manner of people, saying, “We will be courageous in what we do, and we will be courageous and just to all that we are supposed to serve.”

He added: “We have come a long way. We have hard commendations both locally and internationally, in the conduct of the 2015 general elections.

“As I said at the Senate screening, our responsibility as a new commission is actually to consolidate and add value.
“Nations don’t make progress by always starting afresh; nations make progress because there is a building block on which we now build more.”

Yakubu who also received the 2015 general elections report, promised to study it with a view to executing most of its recommendations.

Source: Vanguard