Acting President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has ordered that the chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, (INEC) Professor Maurice Iwu proceed on a pre-disengagement leave, with immediate effect.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the spokesman of the Acting President Mr. Ima Niboro which stated that “the Acting President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has directed the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Maurice Iwu, to proceed on pre- disengagement leave with immediate effect.”

“The Acting President’s directive is in consonance with Section 155(1) (c), which stipulates that the Chairman and members of the Independent Electoral Commission shall hold office for a period of five years”.

Professor Iwu’s tenure however expires on 13th June, 2010.

According to Mr. Niboro “He has also been directed to hand over to the most senior National Commissioner, who shall oversee the activities of the commission pending the appointment of a substantive chairman”.

The Acting President thanked the outgoing Chairman of INEC for his service to the nation and wished him success in his future endeavours.