The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has inaugurated nine out of the 10 Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) that were recently appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and cleared by the National Assembly.
The INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, did the swearing-in during a meeting with all the nation’s RECs on Tuesday in Abuja.
However, the REC appointed from Akwa Ibom State, Etekamba Umoren, was not among those sworn in, with Prof Yakubu saying this would be done in January 2024 after the expiration of the tenure of incumbent.
The INEC boss told the RECs, especially the newly appointed ones that 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. The work of the commission is a difficult task. Election is a multi-stakeholder activity. It is also a very emotive issue, especially in an environment where some desperate political actors and their supporters want to win by all means, failing which they blame the Commission or even seek to deligitimise the processes and demonise officials.
“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,” Yakubu said.
He told the RECs that they must always be firm in ensuring fairness and transparency to all and must also at all times be guided by the electoral legal framework, the code of conduct for RECs and their good conscience.
He said “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.”
Prof Yakubu said that the commission will hold them accountable for their actions and inactions, thus they must manage their personnel as well as the extremely limited resources at their disposal very well.
“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, Dr Monday Udo Tom. The same appreciation is extended to all the other RECs whose tenure ended after serving meritoriously.
“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 are 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 sworn-in today have varied experiences in the public service at both National and State level. We will hold you to the same standard as we hold the career officers of the commission,” Yakubu said.
RovingNaija gathered that Prof Yakubu also said that in line with the current policy, and until such a time when the commission decides otherwise, the nine new RECs will be deployed within their geo-political zones but none will serve in his/her state of origin.
He subsequently said that Abubakar Dambo Sarkin Pawa, posted to Kebbi State; Abubakar Ma’aji Ahmed, Borno; Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, Edo; Ehimeakhe Shaka Isah, Akwa Ibom; Mallam Aminu Idris, Kaduna; Mohammed Sadiq Abubakar, Kwara; Mrs Oluwatoyin O. Babalola, Ondo; Olubunmi O. Omoseyindemi, Ekiti and Shehu L. Wahab, Nasarawa states respectively.
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