The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Tuesday Inaugurate 9 more Resident Electoral Commissioners.
On November 1, 2023, the Senate gave its approval for the appointment of seven of President Bola Tinubu’s nominees to the Commission as RECs.
Tinubu’s appeal for confirmation of the RECs’ nomination for INEC in compliance with Section 154(1) of the Constitution led to the appointment.
Yakubu informed the nine newly elected Regional Electors Committees (RECs) during their swearing-in ceremony at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja that conducting elections was a sacred task and a huge responsibility. He urged them to follow the electoral law, the REC code of conduct, and their consciences.
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.”
The INEC chairman further noted that the 10th REC-designate would be sworn in next month on the expiry of the tenure of the REC representing Akwa Ibom State currently deployed to Delta State.
He said, “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.”
Shehu Abdulwahab was the INEC’s administrative secretary. The new RECs have been deployed as follows: Barr. Oluwatoyin Babalola, Ondo; Olubunmi Omoseyindemi, Ekiti; Mohammed Sadiq Abubakar, Kwara; Ehimeakhe Shaka Isah, Akwa Ibom; Abubakar Dambo Sarkin Pawa, Kebbi; Abubakar Ma’aji Ahmed, Borno; Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, Edo State; Aminu Idris, Kaduna; Mohammed Sadiq Abubakar, Kwara; and Shehu Wahab, Nasarawa.
Speaking on behalf of the recently sworn-in RECs, Barr. Oluwatoyin Babalola promised to uphold their responsibilities as RECs in Nigeria while remaining devoted to their tasks.
Barr. Oluwatoyin Babalola, an Ekiti State native, served as the commission’s Director of Legal Services prior to her appointment.
Aminu Idris, a retired director from Nasarawa state, worked at the INEC headquarters in the Election and Political Parties Monitoring Department.
Shehu Abdulwahab served as INEC administrative secretary in Benue State, before he was appointed a REC.
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