From Tunde Omolehin, Sokoto
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has asked the Resident Electoral Commission (REC) in charge of Sokoto, Nura Ali, to stay away from its activities in the state.
In a letter addressed to the commission office in Sokoto State and signed by Secretary to the commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, dated March 6, the commission also ordered a replacement by the Administrative Secretary of the commission, Hauwa Kangiwa, with immediate effects.
According to the letter, the commission directs the REC to stay away from office immediately until further notice.
INEC in letter with no INEC/SCE/442/V.II, said: “This is to inform you of the commission’s decision for you (Dr. Nura Ali), resident electoral commissioner, Sokoto State, to stay away from the commission’s office immediately until furthermore notice.
“The administrative secretary is directed to take full charge of INEC, Sokoto State office with immediate effects.”
The commission, in another separate letter, directd Kangiwa to take full charge of the commission in the state with immediate effect.
The letter further directed her to liaise with the Supervisory National Commissioner, Muhammad Sani Kaita, for further clarifications when necessary.
Results from the National Assembly elections in Sokoto State were yet-to-be announced by the electoral body due to violence act and over-voting.