The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally lodged a six-count charge against its suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari. These charges were filed at the high court in Yola, the capital city of the state. INEC took this action after reviewing the case file from the police, which established a prima facie case against Yunusa-Ari.
Yunusa-Ari was arrested by the police for his actions during the governorship election in Adamawa State. He was granted administrative bail and instructed to report to the headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on weekdays.
Last month, Festus Okoye, a National Commissioner of INEC, stated that the commission would take action on the case soon. He mentioned that if a prima facie case is established, it is the responsibility of INEC to prosecute Yunusa-Ari.
The problems for Yunusa-Ari began after the supplementary election in Adamawa on April 15. He announced Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the election while the collation of results was still ongoing. However, INEC nullified his decision and suspended him. Former President Muhammadu Buhari ordered a full investigation into the electoral commissioner and the security personnel present during the declaration.
Yunusa-Ari defended his actions by stating that he announced the results of 69 polling units in the supplementary election due to security pressure. He provided his reasons for the declaration in a letter addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, copied to the INEC chairman and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS).
In another news story, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) expressed its strong opposition to fuel hikes and other anti-poor policies. The president of NLC, Joe Ajaero, stated that the Nigerian state had declared war on the working people and the masses of Nigeria. He emphasized the need for trade union leaders to stand up for the rights of Nigerian workers and people, expressing hope that one day these rights will be reclaimed. Ajaero criticized the government for implementing policies that cause hardship for workers and the masses without considering social justice and sound economic management. He called on the NLC to take action to address these issues and put an end to the suffering of Nigerian workers and masses.
