FG reportedly selects 4 commissioners to replace INEC chairman

monjola sotubo

March 1, 2015 1:44 PM

Widespread rumours have it that the FG might soon ask Jega to proceed on a three-month terminal leave while his position is filled by another person.

According to reports, the Federal Government might have chosen four National Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as likely replacements for Chairman, Attahiru Jega.

Widespread rumours have it that the FG might soon ask Jega to proceed on a three-month terminal leave while his position is filled by another person.

According to Punch, the national commissioners that have been shortlisted to replace Jega include Mohammed Wali from Sokoto State, Amina Zakari from Jigawa State, Mohammed Kurmi Hammanga from Adamawa State and Ishmael Igbani from Rivers State.

Earlier reports had it that Jega would be replacedby Olufemi Mimiko, brother of the Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, but sources say that his appointment is no longer feasible due to the fact that he is a new hand and preparations for the elections are already in an advanced stage.

“Time is of the essence. The truth is, if you bring someone from outside, he or she will need time to understand the place and know what is happening. It will be difficult for such a person to fully understand what is on the ground,” a top government official reportedly told Punch.

“However, if we get someone who is already within the system, it will be easier for the person to identify areas where errors were made and correct them within the time left,” the source added.

“The terminal leave letter that the All Progressives Congress senators were talking about has not been written, but I cannot deny the fact that government wants Jega to proceed on terminal leave. Anytime the letter is written and Jega gets it, it will contain the name of the person he will hand over to,” another government official said.

Rumours of Jega’s proposed sackhave been rife since the general elections were postponed in February.

monjola sotubo