The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has deployed six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to fill existing vacancies across six states.
According to a correspondent, the deployment followed their swearing-in ceremony held at INEC headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
The new appointees include Dr Sa’ad Idris, Dr Johnson Sinikiem, Mrs Feyijimi Ibiyemi, Mukhtar Gajiram, Chukwuemeka Ibeziako and Umar Garba. Idris was posted to Gombe, Sinikiem to Cross River, Ibiyemi to Ogun, Gajiram to Taraba, Ibeziako to Abia and Garba to Sokoto.
Sinikiem and Gajiram were reappointed for a second term, while Idris and Ibiyemi are career staff of the Commission. Ibeziako previously practised as a private legal practitioner, and Garba has a background in the private sector.
INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, noted that with the deployment, all REC positions in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory were now filled.
He charged the RECs to justify the trust placed in them, urging them to adhere strictly to the electoral legal framework, the Commission’s code of conduct, and operational guidelines.
“Your appointment is a full-time and not part-time responsibility. You must provide leadership and exercise effective supervision.
You can only succeed in this responsibility when you are knowledgeable about the commission’s activities, particularly the innovations introduced in election management,” he said.
Yakubu warned the appointees against acting beyond their authority or flouting the Commission’s regulations.
“You must never act independently or think that you can act in violation of the law, regulations and guidelines or defy the commission without consequences.
We will hold you accountable for your actions and inactions.
We will not hesitate to deal with acts of defiance, indiscretion or transgression on the part of any REC,” he cautioned.
Speaking on behalf of the new RECs, Dr Sa’ad Idris expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the INEC Chairman, and the Commission for the opportunity to serve.
“As we assume the new role, we do so with a clear understanding of the weight of the responsibility before us.
The role of a REC is central to the integrity of our electoral process and the sustenance of democracy.
We are fully aware that the credibility of elections rests not only on systems and structures but also on character and commitment to those entrusted to manage them,” he stated.
He assured the Commission and Nigerians of their dedication, pledging to uphold integrity, impartiality, professionalism, and the core values of the Commission.
“We pledge to discharge our duties with utmost integrity, impartiality, and professionalism.
We are committed to upholding the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, and the Guidelines, Regulations and all policies of the Commission in all circumstances,” he said.
Idris added that they would focus on voter education, citizen participation and collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure credible elections.
“We will work tirelessly with stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organisations, the media, and security agencies, to build trust and strengthen the electoral process in our states of deployment,” he added.
He also praised Prof Yakubu’s leadership, which he said had inspired public trust and transparency in Nigeria’s electoral system.
Meanwhile, INEC also announced the redeployment of several existing RECs. Those affected include Aminu Idris (FCT), Prof Gabriel Yomeri (Rivers), Dr Hale Longpet (Kwara), Dr Agundu Tersoo (Kogi), Mahmuda Isa (Zamfara), Mohammed Sadiq (Plateau), and Mohammed Nura (Adamawa).
Others are Prof Saidu Ahmed (Kaduna), Umar Ibrahim (Bauchi), Isha Ehimeakhe (Bayelsa), and Mr Obi Effanga (Akwa Ibom).
(NAN)