INEC Staff Bid Ex-Chairman Farewell With Funeral Hymn ‘God Be With You Till We Meet Again’
Staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have held a symbolic send-off for the outgoing chairman of the commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
The send-off marked the end of his controversial tenure with a solemn rendition of the funeral hymn, “God Be With You Till We Meet Again.”
In a short video making the rounds on social media, several INEC staff members were seen bidding farewell to Yakubu at the commission’s headquarters, singing the Christian hymn traditionally used during burials and farewells.
The mood, while seemingly respectful, carried undertones of irony given the deep controversies that have defined Yakubu’s leadership since the 2023 general elections.
The event, which appeared informal, took place shortly after President Bola Tinubu formally confirmed Yakubu’s exit as chairman of the electoral umpire.
Recall a statement issued by President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday, noted that Yakubu, who was first appointed in November 2015 as the 14th chairman of the electoral body and reappointed in 2020, had completed his 10-year tenure.
However, Yakubu’s tenure was not due to end until the first week of December, but President Tinubu had directed him to proceed on early terminal leave.
He was first appointed INEC Chairman on October 21, 2015, by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, succeeding acting chairperson Amina Zakari. Following Senate confirmation on October 29, 2015, he was sworn in on November 9, 2015.
After completing his first term in November 2020, Yakubu was nominated for a second and final term by President Buhari, confirmed by the Senate, and sworn in on December 1, 2020.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
