Key Highlights
- The suspension of the Adamawa REC is expected to subsist pending the completion of an investigation by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) on his conduct/actions during the April 15 Supplementary governorship election in the state.
- President Buhari directed the immediate investigation and prosecution if found liable, of Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari, by the Inspector General of Police.
- He also directed an investigation by the Inspector General of Police, Director-General of DSS and the Commandant General of the NSCDC, of the role of their officers in the whole controversy.
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the immediate suspension of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa State, Barrister Hudu Yunusa Ari, from office.
The suspension is expected to subsist pending the completion of an investigation by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) on the conduct/actions of the REC during the April 15 Supplementary governorship election in Adamawa State.
This directive was contained in a statement issued by Willie Bassey, Director of Information for the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
According to the brief communique, the President also directed the immediate investigation and prosecution, if found liable, of Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari, by the Inspector General of Police.
President Buhari directs investigation of Police, DSS and NSCDC officials
Also, President Buhari has directed an investigation by the Inspector General of Police, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), of the role of their officers in aiding and abetting the conduct/actions of Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari and if found culpable, appropriate disciplinary actions, are to be meted out to them.
- The statement reads, “The President has directed the immediate investigation and prosecution, if found liable, of Hudu Yunusa Ari by the Inspector General of Police,” said Willie Bassey, Director of Information in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
- “Also, the President has directed investigation by the Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC.
- ‘’They are to investigate “the role of their officers in aiding and abetting the conduct/actions of Hudu Yunusa Ari and if found culpable, appropriate disciplinary actions to be meted out to them.’’
Backstory
- Recall that on Sunday, April 16, 2023, INEC suspended collation for the Saturday supplementary governorship election in Adamawa after Ari announced Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner over the incumbent, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
- INEC had in a statement immediately said that the declaration by the Adamawa REC was null, void and of no effect and summoned Ari and other officials to Abuja. The commission said the declaration was a usurpation of the powers of the collation and returning officer.
- The electoral umpire had in a letter on Monday asked Yunusa-Ari, to stay away from its office in the state and directed the administrative secretary to take full charge of affairs in Adamawa with immediate effect.
- It also said it will write the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba to investigate and possibly prosecute Ari as well as inform the appointing authority to take necessary action.
- On Tuesday, INEC resumed the collation process and declared Ahmadu Fintiri, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the governorship election.
