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Unconfirmed reports have it that the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega proceeding on compulsory leave and to be replaced by Prof. Femi Mimiko of Ondo State University, Akungba.
But the commission has denied the report saying that Jega’s appointment was not guided by civil service rules and so he would serve until his tenure elapses on June 30 this year.
There have been speculations that the postponement of the elections last weekend was a ploy by President Goodluck Jonathan’s led government to relieve Jega of his job. Prof Mimiko’s name has constantly come up as a possible replacement.
The spokesman for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mr. Kayode Idowu, who spoke on a TV programme monitored in Lagos, on Tuesday, said Jega’s appointment was not guided by civil service rules and so he would serve until his tenure elapses on June 30 this year.
But Idowu’s stand may be faulted by the fact that Jega’s predecessor, Prof Maurice Iwu, was sent on terminal leave on April 28, 2010, when his tenure was due to expire on June 13, 2010.
Former IGP Abubakar’s tenure was due to end on July 30, 2014 but he proceeded or was sent on terminal leave on May 12, 2014.