President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday confered a national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on outgoing Independent National Electoral Commission’s chair Mahmood Yakubu in appreciation of his service to Nigeria.
In a statement on Tuesday, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said the president appreciated Mr Yakubu for his service to the country as INEC chair.
“In recognition of Yakubu’s dedicated service to the nation, President Tinubu has bestowed on him the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON),” the statement said.
It added, “President Tinubu thanked Professor Yakubu for his services to the nation and his efforts to sustain Nigeria’s democracy, particularly through the organisation of free and fair elections throughout his two-term tenure.”
Mr Yakubu was first appointed as the 14th chairman of the electoral umpire in November 2015. His appointment, which was renewed in 2020, will expire this month.
He resigned earlier on Tuesday, handing over leadership of INEC to the most senior national commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu.