Former INEC Chairman, Yakubu Presents Letter Of Credence As Nigeria’s Ambassador To Qatar

A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has presented his Letter of Credence to the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

Naijaonpoint reports that Yakubu presented the official documents as part of the process to assume duty as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Qatar.

The ceremony was conducted with full honours, including the inspection of a Guard of Honour.

During a private audience, the Amir reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Nigeria and Qatar.

He recalled past high-level visits between both countries and reiterated Qatar’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Ambassador Yakubu, on his part, condoled with the Amir over the recent accident at the Ras Laffan Industrial City and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Qatar in trade, investment, education, security and humanitarian affairs.

Recall that Yakubu had earlier arrived in Doha, Qatar, to begin his new role as Nigeria’s ambassador to the Gulf nation.

‎Yakubu’s arrival marks a major transition from leading one of Nigeria’s most scrutinised institutions to representing the country on a diplomatic platform considered vital to global energy, investment and geopolitical relations.

‎The former electoral commission boss, who completed his tenure at INEC late last year, was among the ambassadors appointed by President Bola Tinubu in a diplomatic reshuffle that generated widespread public interest.

‎On Wednesday, Yakubu was formally received at the Qatari capital’s airport by Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro, Director of the Protocol Department at the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

‎The reception represented Doha’s official recognition of Yakubu’s posting as Nigeria’s top representative in the country.