The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega , will not proceed on terminal leave on March as a section has been reporting.
Mr. Kayode Idowu, INEC spokesperson opined thus on Tuesday while speaking on a TV programme monitored in Lagos.
Kayode noted that Jega’s appointment was not guided by civil service rules and so he would serve until his tenure elapses on 30 June this year.
After the postponement of the elections last weekend, there have been reports that President Goodluck Jonathan’s next move is to relieve Jega of his job and replace him with a pliant person to conduct the elections.
But Idowu may not be right after all on reports that Jega may be asked to proceed on terminal leave in March.
A Federal civil service circular, issued by former head of service, Alhaji Isa Bello Sali entitled, ‘Three Months pre-retirement/terminal leave’ made no distinction as to whether one is a career civil servant or a political appointee.
According to the circular, “It has been observed that the mandatory notice of retirement for officers who are due to retire is not being observed as provided for in the extant rules. Accordingly, it has become necessary to reiterate the provisions of Public Service Rules (PSR) 100238 which states that officers are required to give three months notice of their retirement from service terminating on the effective date of their retirement”
The circular was addressed and sent to the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Justice of the Federation, all Ministers, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, Chairman Federal Civil Service Commission, the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Others are Heads of extra-ministerial departments, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Auditor-General of the Federation, Surveyor-General of the Federation, Directors-General/chief executives of parastatals and agencies.
Jega’s predecessor, Prof Maurice Iwu. Iwu’s tenure was due to expire on June 13, 2010. However, on April 28, 2010, then acting President Jonathan, ordered Iwu to proceed on terminal leave.