Buhari swears in INEC Chairman for second term

President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday swore in Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a second term in office.

The swearing-in took place before the commencement of the weekly virtual Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in the council chambers of the State House, Abuja.

Yakubu took the oath of service as the first chairman of INEC to be reappointed for a second term since 1999.

His swearing in Wednesday was the fallout of his confirmation by the Senate last week.

FEC also observed a minute silence in honour of the late former Minister of Defence, Gen. Domkat Bali (rtd.), who passed on last week at the age of 80.

Present at the council chambers along with the president are Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, and National Security Adviser, Major-General Babagana Munguno (rtd).

Ministers who are also physically present at the meeting are Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, Information and Culture Minister, Lai Mohammed, Works and Housing Minister, Babatunde Fashola, Aviation Minister,  Hadi Sirika, Women Affairs Minister, Pauline Tallen, Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Minister, Sadiya Umar Farouk, and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed Bello.

Others are Ministers of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, Budget and National Planning, Clement Agba, Mines and Steel Development, Uche Ogah.

The Head of Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan and other ministers are virtually participating in the weekly council meeting from their various offices in Abuja.