Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the head of the Independent National Electoral Commission, has officially sworn in six new resident electoral commissioners (RECs).
The ceremony took place at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
He encouraged the newly appointed RECs to leverage their prior experiences to fulfill their roles according to the electoral legal standards.
It is noteworthy that with this latest swearing-in, all vacancies across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have now been filled.
“Overseeing elections is a significant responsibility and a profound duty. As RECs, you will be the Commission’s representatives in the respective states you are assigned to soon. The tasks ahead are undoubtedly demanding. I am pleased to see that two of you, Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem and Mukhtar Umar Gajiram, have returned for a second term after initially serving five years as RECs, while Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris and Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi have extensive experience as career staff within the Commission,” he remarked.
“Chukwuemeka Christopher Ibeziako, a legal expert in private practice, and Umar Yusuf Garba, who brings valuable insights from the private sector, are newcomers to the Commission.
“Collectively, you possess a wealth of experience in election management and public affairs, which underpins the trust placed in you for the esteemed position of REC,” added the INEC chairman.
“As you begin your duties, I urge you to stay focused on what lies ahead. It is imperative that your actions are consistently aligned with the electoral legal framework, the code of conduct for RECs, and the policies and guidelines that direct the Commission’s operations,” he concluded.