President Bola Tinubu has officially withdrawn the appointments of two Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Borno and Bayelsa states, replacing them with new nominees.
The decision was disclosed in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary session.
The letter indicated that President Tinubu withdrew the appointments of Mohammad Ngoshe as the REC for Borno State and Owede Eli as the REC for Bayelsa State. Both had initially been appointed on March 11.
Tinubu reappointed Umar Mukthar as the REC for Borno State for a second term, while Johnson Silnikiem was nominated to serve as the REC for Bayelsa State.
“In compliance with the provision of Section 154(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of the following five nominees as Resident Electoral Commissioners for the Independent National Electoral Commission,” the letter partly read.
The letter further explained the rationale behind the decision, noting that the withdrawal of the appointments was based on the President’s consideration and approval of Umar Mukthar for a second term in Borno State.
“The distinguished Senate is invited to note that this letter, which supersedes my earlier communication dated the 12th of March, is occasioned by my consideration and approval of the commissioner from Borno State for reappointment for a second term,” the letter added.
“I trust that the distinguished Senate will consider and confirm the nominees promptly. Please accept, distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration,” the letter concluded.