...Charge them To Remain Impartial
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has sworn-in nine (9) out of the newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).
The INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu while briefing after the swearing-in charged them to remain professional impartial in the discharge of their duties
Prof. Yakubu also reminded the newly sworn in RECs that INEC is not a political party hence, they should be apolitical.He reminded them that the commission is only an Umpire hence they should create a level playing ground for all.
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. 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 deligitimize the processes and demonize 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."
He added that, " 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 INEC chair also disclosed that 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.
"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 no long waiting period before the vacancy is filled," he said.
Responding on behalf of the newly sworn-in RECs, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola pledged their commitment and loyalty of the new RECs to the Commission and to Nigeria. She said they will remain impartial towards all electoral stakeholders.
The INEC chair however disclosed that timetable for schedule of activities for the re-run of elections are to be combined with bye-elections in constituencies where vacancies are declared by presiding officers.
"the Commission will release the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the re-run elections which will be combined with bye-elections in constituencies where vacancies have been declared by Presiding Officers of legislative houses following the death or resignation of serving members of the National and State assemblies.
"So far, five vacancies have been declared for Surulere 1 Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency of Taraba State, Chibok State Constituency of Borno State, Chikun State Constituency of Kaduna State and Guma State Constituency of Benue State. "
"Similarly, we want to assure citizens in six other constituencies that we are liaising with the National and State assemblies for the declaration of vacancies so that bye-elections can be conducted in earnest. These are Ebonyi South and Yobe East Senatorial Districts, Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency of Ondo State, Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency of Kebbi State, Isa/Sabon Birni Federal Constituency of Sokoto State and Khana II State Constituency of Rivers State," he concluded.
Electoral Commissioners sworn in are, Abubakar Dambo Sarkin Pawa-KebbiA, bubakar Ma’aji Ahmed- Borno, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha-Edo, Ehimeakhe Shaka Isah-Akwa Ibom, Mal. Aminu Idris-Kaduna, Mohammed Sadiq Abubakar- Kwara.
Others are Mrs Oluwatoyin O. Babalola -Ondo, Olubunmi O. Omoseyindemi- Ekiti, and Shehu L. Wahab-Nasarawa
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