NO DIRGE, ONLY PRAISE AS INEC STAFF BID YAKUBU FAREWELL – EX’S INEC CHAIR’S SPOKESMAN
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Rotimi Oyekanmi, the previous Chief Press Secretary to the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has asserted that employees of the commission expressed their farewells through a tribute song for his superior, alongside a lamentation.
Oyekanmi, who is departing alongside Yakubu, refuted a media report that mischaracterized the demonstration of affection for the former chairman at the commission’s headquarters.
In a statement released in Abuja on Thursday, Oyekanmi condemned the portrayal by a segment of the media, specifically citing a report that labeled the evident expression of gratitude from INEC employees as a “funeral song. ”
He characterized the reports as unfounded, intentional disinformation fabricated by a group of detractors posing as journalists. Oyekanmi expressed disappointment that a news outlet would convey the exact opposite of an occurrence, despite clear evidence to the contrary.
“The discernible display of affection and respect exhibited by the grateful INEC staff at the commission’s headquarters yesterday, as the outgoing former INEC Chairman, Yakubu, proceeded to his vehicle, is now being willfully misinterpreted and misrepresented as a ‘funeral song. ’
“This intentional disinformation can solely originate from a collective of detractors masquerading as journalists at Sahara Reporters. Yet they have failed and will consistently fail,” he stated.
Oyekanmi emphasized that, contrary to the misleading report, the majority of INEC staff openly acknowledged Yakubu’s transformative policies that had, over the past decade, facilitated promotions for both senior and junior staff, increased allowances, and initiated capacity development programs.
He noted that the INEC staff consistently showed appreciation towards Yakubu at each opportunity during his tenure.
“Journalism is about facts, precision, and integrity, not a medium to be exploited by pseudo-journalists to launch campaigns of defamation against individuals.
“It is imperative that the management of Sahara Reporters admonishes those utilizing its platform to disseminate falsehoods regarding individuals, institutions, and events, which may ultimately harm the publication’s reputation in the long term.
“Prof. Yakubu’s legacy is firmly established, irrespective of the falsehoods propagated by familiar adversaries,” he remarked.
Yakubu stepped down as INEC Chairman on Tuesday and transferred responsibilities to Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior National Commissioner, who will serve as the acting Chairman until a new chairman is appointed.
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Yakubu was designated as INEC chairman by former President Muhammadu Buhari on October 21, 2015, and was subsequently reappointed in December 2020.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that during the handover ceremony, Yakubu announced that his decision to resign was to facilitate the appointment of a new chairman.
Yakubu indicated that his resignation would also allow the incoming leader to swiftly acclimate to the responsibilities of overseeing elections and electoral activities.
Agbamuche-Mbu, in her brief comments, praised Yakubu for establishing high benchmarks during his tenure, while some commission staff members also performed a song to honor him as he proceeded to his car following a group photograph with them.
Earlier on Monday, at a function arranged by INEC to celebrate the 2025 Customer Service Week, the commission bestowed upon Yakubu an “Excellence in Service Delivery Award. ”
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