The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu has approved the deployment of new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to various states.
The deployment of the commmissioners was announced by the Chairman on Tuesday following their swearing-in ceremony to the new office.
While congratulating the new appointees, Yakubu said the RECs were sworn in to fill vacancies in nine states of the federation.
He also tasked them on professionalism in the excise of their constitutional duties.
The INEC Chairman 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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
The nine RECs deployed to various states included: Abubakar Dambo Sarkin Pawa who was deployed to Kebbi State, Abubakar Ma’aji Ahmed deployed to Borno State and (Dr.) Anugbum Onuoha deployed to Edo State.
Others included Ehimeakhe Shaka Isah, Akwa Ibom State; Mal. Aminu Idris, Kaduna State; Mohammed Sadiq Abubakar, Kwara State; Mrs Oluwatoyin O. Babalola, Ondo State; Olubunmi O. Omoseyindemi, Ekiti State, and Shehu L. Wahab, Nasarawa State.
