The Secretary to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, has promised not to abuse the confidence reposed in her by the Commission in reappointing her for a second and final term of 4 years.
Mrs. Oriaran-Anthony also assured the Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and members of the Commission that she would discharge her duties with the utmost professionalism and integrity.
She gave the assurance at a brief swearing-in ceremony held on Wednesday at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
Mrs. Oriaran-Anthony was reappointed by the Commission on November 24, 2022, and her second and final term took effect on December 7, 2022.
The Acting Chairman of the Commission, Mohammed K. Haruna, before administering the oath of office on behalf of the Chairman of the Commission, extolled the stellar qualities of the Secretary, which warranted an unprecedented re-appointment.
The Acting Chairman said the Secretary has her work cut out for her with the 2023 General Election fast approaching, adding that “her office is more or less the engine room of the Commission so there is a lot for her to do.”
He congratulated her for making history as the first Secretary to the Commission to be reappointed.
On her part, Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony said “it is an honor and a privilege to be re-appointed for a second tenure in this Commission, the first of its kind. Mr. Chairman, my debt to your courage, industry, and vision is immeasurable. I resolve to follow in your strong footsteps in order to collectively build a legacy.
“In order to meet the mandate and expectations of Nigerians, we will need to muster the human, institutional, and intellectual resources and organize them properly.” “To this I commit myself, with the support of the Commission Members and the Directors.”
She continued, “I will do my part in meeting the administrative goals of the Commission and the imperatives of a dignified Commission with an improved working environment that will translate to a cordial working relationship between management and staff.” “We achieved this during my first tenure, and we will build on our successes and do more.”
She said that “maintaining our proud heritage and values, while vigorously holding them to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, will be a prime goal of my second tenure.”
Commenting on administrative reforms, the Secretary explained that the aim of administrative reform “is not to penalize but to reward, so that talents and skills, experience, and dedication may be fully mobilized and properly utilized.” “Rewarding hard work and excellence to boost morale, making everyone accountable for his/her own action or inaction, and pushing for greater gender balance, in particular at senior levels.”
She further pledged to serve all well, with all of her heart, reassuring once again that “I will lead by example.” Promises should be made for the keeping. This has been my motto in life. I intend to stick to it, as I work with all stakeholders for a Commission that delivers on its mandate and promises.”
The swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by National Commissioners; Festus Okoye Esq., Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu-Zuru, Major-General Modibbo Alkali (Rtd), Mr. Sam Olumekun, Prof. Sani Kallah, Dr. Baba Bila, and Mr. Kenneth Ukeagu.
Also present were the Director-General of the Electoral Institute, Dr. Sa’ad Idris Umar, Chief Technical Adviser to INEC Chairman, Prof. Bolade Eyinla, Special Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Prof. M.J Kuna, host of Directors in the Commission, family members of the Secretary, and other staff of the Commission.
