Former Chief Press Secretary to ex-Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Rotimi Oyekanmi, has debunked reports suggesting that INEC staff sang a “funeral song” as Yakubu bowed out of office on Tuesday.
Oyekanmi, who exited with his principal, insisted that the gesture was a show of affection and respect, not a dirge, as reported in sections of the media.
Oyekanmi said in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, “The visible show of love and respect displayed by the appreciative INEC staff at the commission’s headquarters yesterday as the departing former INEC Chairman, Yakubu, walked to his car is now being intentionally misinterpreted and misrepresented as a ‘funeral song’.”
The former CPS specifically accused Sahara Reporters of misinforming the public, describing the report as a deliberate attempt to smear Yakubu’s image.
He said, “This deliberate piece of disinformation can only be conjured by a set of haters masquerading as journalists at Sahara Reporters. But they have failed and will continue to fail.”
Oyekanmi maintained that INEC staff consistently demonstrated admiration for Yakubu during his 10-year tenure, recalling how they openly praised his policies and welfare initiatives.
According to him, Yakubu’s leadership saw the introduction of transformative policies that resulted in promotions for staff, improved allowances, and more opportunities for capacity development.
He said, “Contrary to the misleading report, the majority of the INEC staff openly talked about Yakubu’s transformative policies that had, over the last 10 years, led to senior and junior staff promotions, more allowances and capacity development initiatives.”
The outgoing spokesman criticised what he called the misuse of journalism to pursue campaigns of calumny.
He cautioned, “Journalism is about facts, accuracy and truthfulness, not a vehicle to be misused by pseudo-journalists to embark on a campaign of calumny against individuals.
“It is high time the management of Sahara Reporters cautioned persons using its platform to spread lies about individuals, institutions and events, which will be detrimental to the newspaper’s reputation in the long run.
“Prof. Yakubu’s place in history is assured, no matter the lies being spread by familiar forces.”
Naijaonpoint had earlier reported that Yakubu formally handed over leadership of INEC on Tuesday to May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior National Commissioner, who will serve in acting capacity until President Bola Tinubu names a substantive successor.
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