The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the nomination of former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, as Nigeria’s ambassador to an unspecified international mission, describing the development as a boost to the nation’s diplomatic profile.
In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja and signed by its Chairman, Salihu Sulaiman, the group said the nomination was a recognition of Yakubu’s “distinguished record of public service” and his “vast experience in global affairs,” which it argued would be invaluable in strengthening Nigeria’s engagement on the international stage.
Sulaiman noted that the former INEC chairman had earned national and international respect during his stewardship at the electoral body, where he championed reforms aimed at improving electoral transparency and deepening democratic processes.
He dismissed concerns raised in some quarters that Yakubu’s new appointment could compromise the independence of INEC, insisting such fears were “misguided and reckless.”
According to him, the neutrality of INEC is anchored on law, institutional safeguards, and multilayered oversight mechanisms—not on the post-service career of any individual.
“INEC’s integrity is not tied to the personal trajectory of any former official,” Sulaiman said. “It is a system strengthened by reforms since 2010, monitored by political parties, civil society organisations, and the media. Democracy rests on institutions, not personalities.”
The group further highlighted Yakubu’s career under four successive presidents—Umaru Musa Yar’adua, Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu—as evidence of his professionalism and non-partisan disposition.
It recalled that as Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) between 2007 and 2012, Yakubu initiated reforms that continue to shape the nation’s tertiary education sector. It also pointed to innovations introduced under his leadership during the 2023 general elections, which it said enabled opposition parties to record their highest number of elective positions in the country’s political history.
The Northern Awareness Network urged Nigerians to support the nomination, adding that effective diplomacy required individuals with proven administrative competence and an understanding of Nigeria’s governance architecture.
Sulaiman stressed that rather than question Yakubu’s nomination, Nigerians should focus on strengthening national institutions and reinforcing accountability across all sectors.
“This appointment is an opportunity to present Nigeria’s democratic values to the world with credibility,” he added. “We call on Nigerians to rally behind this development and remain committed to building strong, resilient institutions.”
The statement concluded with the group expressing confidence that Professor Yakubu would bring his “wealth of experience, integrity, and calm leadership” to the diplomatic assignment once confirmed.
ENDS
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