The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed the Resident Electoral Commission, in charge of Sokoto State, Dr Nura Ali, to step down and be replaced by the commission’s administrative secretary in the state, Hauwa Aliyu Kangiwa, with immediate effect, ahead of the Governorship and House of Assembly elections across the country.
This is stated in a letter dated March 6th, delivered to the state commission office and signed by the commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
Recall that in a recent meeting with state RECs to prepare for the upcoming governorship elections, the commission’s chairman, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, made a promise to deal with any staff members or ad hoc staff members who helped the presidential election fail before the final round of elections across the country.
According to the letter which was made available to our correspondent by a source in the commission in the state, the commission directs the REC to stay away from office immediately until further notice.
According to the letter with no INEC/SCE/442/V.II, “This is to inform you of the commission’s decision for you (Dr Nura Ali), Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sokoto State, to stay away from the commission’s office in Sokoto State immediately until furthermore notice.
“The administrative secretary is directed to take full charge of INEC, Sokoto State office with immediate effects ”
In a separate letter sighted by our correspondent, the commission directs the Administrative Secretary of the commission in the state, Hauwa Aliyu Kangiwa, to take full charge of the commission in the state with immediate effect.
The separate letter which was signed by the same commission secretary, directed Hauwa to take full responsibility of all issues of administration and election pending when the commission directs otherwise.
The letter further directed her to liase with the Supervisory National Commissioner, Professor Muhammad Sani Kaita for further clarifications when necessary.
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