INEC Promotes 471 Junior Staff, Begins Assessment for Senior Staff

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has promoted 471 junior staff members after a meeting held on Thursday.

In a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the commission said the promotions were approved based on recommendations from the Appointment, Promotion, and Disciplinary Committee. The process followed the commission’s staff rules.

Out of 515 staff shortlisted for the promotion:

• 214 were promoted to Grade Level 07 (GL07),
• 134 to GL06,
• 106 to GL05, and
• 17 to GL04.

Olumekun explained that this promotion marks the end of the first phase, which covers junior staff. He added that the second phase, for senior staff, has already started.

INEC described promotions as a regular but important part of staff development.
“The commission is committed to fair and regular promotions based on merit, and to the welfare of its staff,” the statement said.

INEC also urged its staff to stay focused and committed, especially with upcoming elections.
“We encourage all staff to give their best, particularly as we prepare for elections and other electoral activities,” Olumekun said.

The meeting, led by INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, also reviewed preparations for important elections in Anambra, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ekiti, and Osun States.

This announcement comes after rumors on Wednesday suggested that President Bola Tinubu had asked Yakubu to go on pre-retirement leave.

Yakubu, who was first appointed in 2015 and reappointed in 2020, is expected to finish his second five-year term in November.

According to the 1999 Constitution, the President must consult the National Council of State before nominating a new INEC Chairman. The nomination must then be approved by the Senate.
Source: Punch