The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially inaugurated nine new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) following the screening process.
The tenth appointee is scheduled to be sworn in next month after the conclusion of the current REC’s tenure in Delta State, who is representing Akwa Ibom State.
During the ceremony in Abuja, INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, emphasized the significance of maintaining the Commission’s established practice of regular consultations with key stakeholders.
These stakeholders include political parties, civil society organizations, the media, traditional institutions, religious bodies, and security agencies.
Professor Yakubu urged the newly sworn-in RECs to uphold principles of fairness and transparency while working closely with field officers in their respective states.
Professor Yakubu noted that among the appointed RECs, four have advanced from career positions within the Commission, reaching the rank of director.
This marks a historic occasion, as it is the first time that several INEC career officers have been appointed as RECs.
Regarding bye-elections, the INEC Chairman announced that the Commission would soon release the timetable and activities schedule for re-run elections in various constituencies, including 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.
Furthermore, Professor Yakubu revealed ongoing coordination with the National and State Assemblies for the declaration of vacancies in Ebonyi South and Yobe East Senatorial Districts, Akoko North East/Akoko Northwest 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 to facilitate upcoming elections in those regions.
Immediately after the swearing-in ceremony, the newly appointed RECs were deployed to their respective states of assignment:
i. Abubakar Dambo Sarkin Pawa – Kebbi State.
ii. Abubakar Ma’aji Ahmed – Borno.
iii. Dr. Anugbum Onuoha – Edo.
iv. Ehimeakhe Shaka Isah – Akwa Ibom.
V. Mal. Aminu Idris – Kaduna.
Vi. Mohammed Sadiq Abubakar – Kwara.
Vii. Mrs. Oluwatoyin O. Babalola – Ondo.
Viii. Olubunmi O. Omoseyindemi – Ekiti.
IX. Shehu L. Wahab – Nasarawa.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
