The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, on Friday administered the oath of office to six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony, Prof Yakubu urged the newly inaugurated RECs to carry out their duties with strict adherence to the provisions of the electoral legal framework. He emphasized that their new roles come with significant responsibilities that must be handled with the utmost integrity and professionalism.
“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, to say the least, very challenging,” Yakubu stated.
According to him, the swearing-in of the six RECs has now filled all vacant positions across the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
Among those sworn in, two – Dr Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem and Mukhtar Umar Gajiram – were reappointed for a second term, having previously served five years as RECs. Others include Dr Sa’ad Umar Idris and Mrs Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi, both of whom are long-serving career staff of INEC.
Also inaugurated were Chukwuemeka Christopher Ibeziako, a legal practitioner, and Umar Yusuf Garba, a professional from the private sector, who are joining the Commission for the first time.
“Together, all six of you have cumulative experience in election administration or the management of public affairs to justify the confidence reposed in you to serve in the high office of REC,” the INEC Chairman added.
Prof Yakubu reminded the new appointees of the expectations that come with their roles and the need to uphold public trust.
“As you assume or resume duty, I urge you to focus on your responsibilities. Let me make it clear from the outset that you must at all times be guided by the electoral legal framework, the code of conduct for RECs, and the regulations and guidelines governing the Commission’s operations,” he cautioned.
PUO Reports notes that the appointments come at a time when the Commission is intensifying preparations for upcoming off-cycle elections and strengthening institutional structures ahead of the next general elections.
