SENATE DISMISSES THREE SUSPENDED RECS FROM OFFICE

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The Senate has formally dismissed three Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) based on a request from President Bola Tinubu, citing Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The Senate Majority Leader announced the affected officials as Dr. Nura Ali (Sokoto State REC), Barrister Hudu Yunusa Ari (Adamawa State REC), and Professor Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu (Abia State REC). These officials were suspended in 2023 due to allegations of electoral misconduct, which included violations of the Electoral Act, election manipulation, fraud, and dereliction of duty.

Reports from the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Department of State Services (DSS) indicated that Dr. Nura Ali was implicated in compromising the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections through corruption and incompetence, admitting to receiving $150,000 from politicians. Professor Uzochukwu was found guilty of mishandling election logistics, neglecting the Governorship and State Assembly elections, and failing to reschedule supplementary elections.

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Citing Section 157(1) of the Constitution, which permits the removal of officials due to inability to perform duties or misconduct, the Senate voted with a two-thirds majority to approve their dismissal.

Following this decision, the Senate instructed the Clerk to formally notify President Tinubu for implementation.