The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has sworn-in 19 newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners(RECs)to oversee the 2023 General Election.
Chairman, INEC, Mahmood Yakubu while swearing-in the new RECs said 14 of the commissioners are fresh appointments while the remaining 5 have been reappointed for a second and final term.
Yakubu noted that the commission has worked hard to reform the electoral process and introduce many innovations that have improved the electoral process, adding that the commissioners will be responsible for human and material resources required for election.
The Chief Electoral Umpire further charged the newly sworn-in RECs to devote their loyalty to Nigeria and not to compromise the integrity of the Commission.
He however cautioned that in dealing with the general public they should be guided by the provisions of the commission’s code of conduct.
“you will also interact with various stakeholders. You should maintain the established practice of consulting with them. However, in dealing with the general public, you should be guided by the provisions of the Commission’s Code of Conduct.
“You should not be visitors to Government Houses and must never hold unofficial meetings with politicians, even after official working hours” the INEC Boss said.
Speaking on behalf of the RECs, Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Obo Effanga pledged that the Commissioners will discharge their duties in compliance with the law.
The the 19 RECs were deployed to their geopolitical zones but outside their states of origin, in line with INEC’s regulation that forbids a commissioner from serving in his or her home state.
5 of the 19 RECs are returning Commissioners who were reappointed by President Muhammadu Buhari and approved by the Senate.
