By Milcah Tanimu
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, conducted the swearing-in ceremony for nine additional Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on Tuesday. This development follows the Senate’s approval of the appointment of seven of President Bola Tinubu’s nominees as RECs on November 1, 2023.
The ceremony, held at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja, saw the chairman emphasizing the significance of the commissioners’ roles in ensuring the conduct of fair and transparent elections. He urged them to be guided by the electoral legal framework, the code of conduct for RECs, and good conscience.
Yakubu addressed the newly sworn-in RECs, stating, “As RECs, you are the representatives of the Commission in the various States to which you will be deployed shortly. I urge you not to engage in a puerile debate that adds no value to your work.”
He further cautioned against acts of defiance, indiscretion, or transgression within the limits of their delegated powers and responsibilities.
The INEC chairman highlighted that the 10th REC-designate would be sworn in next month following the expiration of the tenure of the REC representing Akwa Ibom State currently deployed to Delta State.
Notably, this batch of appointments includes several INEC career officers, with four having risen to the rank of Director within the Commission. Mahmood urged them to leverage their experiences to hit the ground running.
The newly sworn-in RECs and their respective deployments are as follows:
1. Abubakar Dambo Sarkin Pawa – Kebbi
2. Abubakar Ma’aji Ahmed – Borno
3. Dr. Anugbum Onuoha – Edo State
4. Ehimeakhe Shaka Isah – Akwa Ibom
5. Aminu Idris – Kaduna
6. Mohammed Sadiq Abubakar – Kwara
7. Barr. Oluwatoyin Babalola – Ondo
8. Olubunmi Omoseyindemi – Ekiti
9. Shehu Wahab – Nasarawa
Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in RECs, Barr. Oluwatoyin Babalola pledged loyalty to their duties and recognized the responsibilities they hold as RECs in Nigeria. Babalola was previously the Director of Legal Services at the commission’s headquarters before her appointment. Aminu Idris from Nasarawa state was a retired director in the Election and Political Parties Monitoring Department at the INEC headquarters, while Shehu Abdulwahab served as INEC’s administrative secretary in Benue State before his appointment as a REC.
