The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will ensure that appropriate punishment is meted out to the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa State, Barr Hudu Yunusa Ari, over the illegal announcement of winner of the governorship election in the North East state.
To this end the election umpire said it’s resolved to write the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba, to investigate and prosecute Ari over unlawful declaration of Aishatu Dairu Ahmed, well known as Binani, as the winner of the state governorship election.
The resolution was reach by the commission at a meeting on Tuesday convened to discuss matters arising from the Adamawa governorship poll.
“At its meeting today, 18th April 2023, the Commission discussed matters arising from the Adamawa Governorship election and decided to:
“1. Write to the Inspector-General of Police for the immediate investigation and possible prosecution of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa State, Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari.
“2. Request the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to draw the attention of the appointing authority to the unwholesome behaviour of the REC for further action.
“3. The collation process shall resume at a time to be determined by the Returning Officer,” INEC wrote via its Twitter handle.
Recall that Ari announced Binani as winner of the governorship election on Sunday while results from the supplementary polls were still being collated.
Many were taken aback by his action as he is not legally saddled with such responsibility. His actions sparked tension and unrest in the state with supporters of the incumbent, governor Ahmadu Fintiri, baying for blood as frustration boiled over.
His declaration was overturned by the INEC hierarchy in Abuja and he was subsequently suspended.
The commission later suspended the collation of results.
Recall that INEC has shifted its emergency management meeting earlier fixed for Monday till today.