Probe Approved: Buhari Demands Answers Over Conduct of INEC Official in Adamawa Election

• President Buhari has approved the immediate suspension of Hudu Yunusa-Ari, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Adamawa State.

• The suspension is pending the completion of an investigation into his actions during the April 15 supplementary election.

• The President has also ordered an investigation into the role of security officials who aided and abetted the REC’s actions.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the immediate suspension of Hudu Yunusa-Ari, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Adamawa State.

According to a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Mr Boss Mustapha, the REC’s suspension would subsist pending the completion of an investigation by the Inspector General of Police on the conduct/actions of the Yunusa-Ari during the April 15, supplementary election in Adamawa State.

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“The President has directed the immediate investigation and prosecution, if found liable, of Ari, by the Inspector General of Police”, said Willie Bassey, Director, Information in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation OSGF.

“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, of 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,” the statement added.

Recall that INEC had on Monday suspended the Adamawa REC, Yunusa-Ari for usurping the powers of the Chief Returning Officer, CRO, Mele Lamido, and unilaterally returned the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, Senator Aisha Binani, as duly elected, even when collation had not been concluded, sparking a controversy.

The declaration of election results is the responsibility of the returning officer, and not the resident electoral commissioner.

INEC then summoned the REC and Mele Lamido to its headquarters in Abuja.

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But Mele Lamido on Tuesday, returned to Adamawa to conclude the collation, after which he declared incumbent Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, elected.

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