INEC chair swears in nine RECs, asks them to ensure transparency

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sworn in nine new resident electoral commissioners (RECs).

The RECs were sworn in on Tuesday at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.

This follows the confirmation of 10 INEC commissioners by the senate in November after a screening process.

The new RECs and their states of deployment include Abubakar Dambo Sarkin Pawa (Kebbi), Abubakar Ma’aji Ahmed (Borno), Anugbum Onuoha (Edo), Ehimeakhe Shaka Isah (Akwa Ibom), and Aminu Idris (Kaduna).

Others are Mohammed Sadiq Abubakar (Kwara), Oluwatoyin Babalola (Ondo), Olubunmi Omoseyindemi (Ekiti) and Shehu Wahab (Nasarawa).

The tenth REC-designate will be sworn-in in January 2024 upon the expiry of the tenure of the REC currently deployed to Delta state.

Addressing the commissioners after their oath taking, Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, urged the RECs not to engage in puerile debate that adds no value to their work.

He said they must also maintain the commission’s tradition of regular consultations with 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,” he said.

“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 states, 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.

“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.”