For the first time in Nigeria, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would be chaired by a woman, Amina Bala Zakari, who was late Tuesday appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari, in acting capacity.
Zakari, until her appointment, was a commissioner in INEC.
Her appointment followed the expiration of the tenure of Professor Attahiru Jega, who, on Tuesday, vacated the seat with six other commissioners and handed over to an INEC Commissioner, Alhaji Waziri Wali.
Announcing the appointment in a letter to Zakari, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Danladi Kifasi, said the appointment is with immediate effect pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.
Jega was appointed as chairman of INEC by former President Goodluck Jonathan on 30th June 2010 and he conducted the 2011 and 2015 general elections.
Speaking briefly at the end of the closed-door handing over ceremony at the Commission in Abuja, Jega said the future of the country and commission was bright. He thanked Nigerians, commissioners and staff for their support.
“We feel great; we thank God Almighty for the opportunity to serve the country. The future is bright for the commission and the country,” he said.
