WorldStage Newsonine– The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has sworn in 9 newly Resident electoral Commissioners (RECs), to fill vacancies in nine state of the federation.
Prof Yakubu, at the swearing-in ceremony, at commissions headquarters, on Tuesday in Abuja, charged the new REC to stand firm in ensuring fairness and transparency to all, said the conduct of election is a not only a huge responsibility but a sacred duty.
The Senate had on November 1, 2023 screened and confirm seven nominees of President Bola Tinubu and on November 2, it also screened and confirmed another three nominees, making it a total 10 confirmed REC screened and confirmed by the legislators.
However, at the swearing-in, 9 RECs confirmed by the National Assembly among the 10 appointed were sworn-in, the 10th REC according to the commission will be sworn-in next month on the expiry of the tenure of the REC representing Akwa Ibom State currently deployed to Delta State
Yakubu said, “I urge you not to engage in a puerile debate that adds no value to your work. At the same time, you must not be impervious to genuine criticisms. You must maintain the Commission’s tradition of regular consultations with critical stakeholders. These are the political parties, civil society organisations, the media, traditional institutions, religious bodies and the security agencies.
“You must always be very firm in ensuring fairness and transparency to all. Let me make it clear to you from the outset that you must at all times be guided by the electoral legal framework, the code of conduct for RECs and your good conscience. You must also work closely with your field officers in the State, listening to their wise counsel, but always providing guidance, leadership and effective supervision.
“Similarly, I must warn you to understand and operate within the limits of your delegated powers and responsibilities. Our State offices are part and parcel of the Commission and we will not hesitate to deal with acts of defiance, indiscretion or transgression on the part of any REC.
He said, “In the various States to which you will be deployed shortly, you will be in charge of personnel and resources. I expect you to handle these responsibilities very well indeed. We will hold you accountable for your actions and inactions. Manage your personnel as well as the extremely limited resources at your disposal very well.
“Elections and electoral activities take place all-year round. As is the case with every general election, reforms will follow in the aftermath of the 2023 General Election. We are finalising our main report for the election as well as the review report following wide-ranging engagements with stakeholders.
“Today, nine out of the 10 RECs screened and confirmed by the National Assembly were sworn-in at this ceremony. The tenth REC-designate will be sworn-in next month on the expiry of the tenure of the REC representing Akwa Ibom State currently deployed to Delta State. By the proactive decision taken by the appointing authority, there will no long waiting period before the vacancy is filled.
“Let me therefore seize this opportunity to commend the selfless and dedicated service rendered to the Commission and the nation by the outgoing REC in Delta State, Reverend Dr Monday Udo Tom. The same appreciation is extended to all the other RECs whose tenure ended after serving meritoriously.
The deployment of the new Resident Electoral Commissioners as follows: Abubakar Dambo Sarkin Pawa – Kebbi; Abubakar Ma’aji Ahmed- Borno; Dr. Anugbum Onuoha- Edo; Ehimeakhe Shaka Isah- Akwa Ibom; Mal. Aminu Idris – Kaduna; Mohammed Sadiq Abubakar – Kwara; Mrs Oluwatoyin O. Babalola – Ondo; Olubunmi O. Omoseyindemi – Ekiti and Shehu L. Wahab- Nasarawa.
