President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to approve the dismissal of three Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) who were suspended over alleged misconduct during the 2023 general elections.
The affected officials are Ike Uzochukwu of Abia State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari of Adamawa State, and Nura Ali of Sokoto State. They were suspended before Tinubu’s administration took office.
Tinubu’s request was contained in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Wednesday’s plenary session.
The president based his request on Section 157(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which outlines procedures for appointing and removing electoral officials.
“In accordance with Section 157, Subsection 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, I hereby request the Senate to consider and vote for the termination of the appointments of the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioners of Adamawa, Sokoto, and Abia states,” Tinubu’s letter read.
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He reminded the lawmakers that the officials had already been suspended for misconduct since March 2022. “The Senate is invited to note that the three Resident Electoral Commissioners have been suspended for misconduct since March 2022 before the advent of the current administration,” he added.
The president urged the Senate to handle the matter without delay, signaling that he would soon nominate replacements for the vacant positions.
“I trust that the Senate will consider this request expeditiously. Please accept, distinguished senators and Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration,” the letter concluded.
The Senate is expected to deliberate on the request in the coming days. If approved, the dismissal will formally end the tenure of the suspended officials, clearing the way for new appointments.