SENATE CONFIRMS NEW INEC CHAIRMAN,FEDERAL COMMISSIONERS

The Senate on Thursday screened and confirmed the appointments of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, and five others as federal commissioners.
The federal commissioners whose appointments were confirmed are, Alhaji Baba Shettima Arfo (North East); Dr. Antonia Okoosi-Simbine (North Central); Ms Amina Zakari (North West); Dr. Mohammed Lucky (South South); and Mr. Solomon Soyebi (South West).
The nominees answered questions on how to ensure a better conduct of future elections in Nigeria in line with international best practices.
Yakubu assured Nigerians that he would resist any attempt by the government to intimidate him to compromise his principles in its favour.
He said, “In the service of this country, I can’t compromise my principles, it is too late. I have made peace with the fact that I am a Nigerian. There are track records of what one had done in the past.
“I have the character to do the right thing… I take cognizance of the fact that I am a Nigerian. Why should I compromise? The most important thing is that my appointment is to the service of Nigeria which I am committed to.”
He said the National Assembly would be expected to come up with an appropriate legislation and recommendations on the issue of uniform fees to be paid by candidates contesting elections at all levels.
He added that once this was done, INEC would not have a second thought in enforcing it.
Yakubu noted that the success of any election depends on the ability of the commission to organise, arrange elections properly and in advance even as he lamented that last minute rush was creating avoidable challenges.
He also canvassed the extension of the period of party primaries from six months to at least one year.
He also supported the need to allow Nigerians in Diaspora to vote in subsequent elections in the country.