Jega bows out of INEC

Prof. Attahiru Jega on Tuesday handed over to Ambassador Mohammed Wali, a National Commissioner from Sokoto State, as he officially bowed out of office as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

However, by Tuesday evening, President Muhammadu Buhari announced Amina Bala Zakari as the acting chairman of the electoral body.

Jega completed his five-year tenure on Tuesday, having been appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2010.

Prof. Jega, while speaking at the handing over ceremony, was full of appreciation to God and the country for the opportunity to serve.

He said: "We feel great.

"We thank God Almighty for the opportunity to serve the country.

"The future is bright for the commission and the country."

The Secretary to INEC, Augusta Ogakwu, confirmed to newsmen that Jega at the indoor ceremony handed over to Wali pending the appointment of a new chairman by Buhari.

Ogakwu said: "We believe we will soon hear what will happen next from the President.

"Jega said in whatever we have achieved, we should keep it up and do more, adding that there are still a lot to be done."

Meanwhile, the erstwhile chairman is leaving office alongside six other National Commissioners whose tenures have also expired.

Interestingly, Wali will also be leaving office on August 11, 2015.

The six commissioners leaving office with Jega are: Colonel M.K. Hammanga (rtd), Adamawa State (North East); Dr. Ishmael Jikiri Igbani, Rivers State (South South); Prof. Lai Olurode, Osun State (South West); Dame Gladys Nne Nwafor, Abia State (South East); Thelma Amata Iremiren, Delta State (South South); and Dr. Nuru A. Yakubu, Yobe State (North East).

Also, the tenure of four other National Commissioners will expire in July and August this year.

Those affected are: Dr. Abdulkadir S. Oniyangi, Kwara State (North Central), whose tenure will expire on July 21, 2015; Amina Bala Zakari, Jigawa State (North West), whose tenure will also expire on July 21, 2015; Dr. Chris O. Iyimoga, Nasarawa State (North Central), whose tenure will expire on August 11, 2015; and Ambassador Wali, Sokoto State, (North West), whose tenure will also expire on August 11, 2015.