Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu on Tuesday swore in nine newly Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) that were recently appointed by the president and cleared by the National Assembly.

Yakubu at the ceremony in Abuja urged the RECs to understand and operate within the limits of their delegated powers and responsibilities, saying the Commission will not hesitate to deal with acts of defiance, indiscretion, or transgression on the part of any REC.

Those sworn in are Isah Shaka Ehimeakne (Edo State), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola (Ekiti State) Abubakar Ahmed Ma’aji (Gombe State), Shehu Wahab (Kwara State), Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi (Lagos State), Aminu Kasimu Idris (Nasarawa State), Prof. Mohammed Yelwa (Niger State), Dr. Anugbum Onuoha (Rivers State) and Isma’ila Kaura Moyi (Zamfara State).

However, the Resident Electoral Commissioner appointed from Akwa Ibom state, Etekamba Umoren, was not among those sworn in at a meeting of the commission with state Resident Electoral Commissioners.

Yakubu said he would be sworn in January when the tenure of the Resident Electoral Commissioner from Akwa Ibom state currently serving in Delta will expire.

Yakubu told the RECs that the conduct of elections was not only a huge responsibility but also a sacred duty urging them to be guided by the electoral legal framework, the code of conduct for RECs and good conscience.

He said, “The conduct of elections is not only a huge responsibility but also a sacred duty. As RECs, you are the representatives of the Commission in the various States to which you will be deployed shortly.

“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.

“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.

“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 added, “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 be 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.”

Mahmood added that this was the first time that several INEC career officers were appointed as RECs, calling on them to hit the ground immediately.

“Among the nine new RECs, four have been career officers of the Commission rising to the rank of Director. They have been involved in elections and electoral activities both in the field and at the Headquarters.

“Their experiences traversed electoral operations, election and party monitoring and electoral litigation. This is the first time that several INEC career officers have been appointed as RECs. You are not new to the conduct of elections. There is no learning curve for you.

“Consequently, there can be no excuses for failing to hit the ground running and for making a huge difference to the quality and transparency of elections. The other five RECs are sworn in today and have varied experiences in public service at both the National and State levels. We will hold you to the same standard as we hold the career officers of the Commission.”

The new RECs have been deployed as follows: Abubakar Dambo Sarkin Pawa, Kebbi; Abubakar Ma’aji Ahmed, Borno; Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, Edo State; Ehimeakhe Shaka Isah, Akwa Ibom; Aminu Idris, Kaduna; Mohammed Sadiq Abubakar, Kwara; Barr. Oluwatoyin Babalola, Ondo; Olubunmi Omoseyindemi, Ekiti; and Shehu Wahab, Nasarawa.
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