In a move to signpost its readiness to conduct credible polls in 2023, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sworn-in 19 newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).
President Muhammadu Buhari had in July transmitted the names of the 19 REC nominees to the Senate for confirmation while the federal lawmakers confirmed them on October 5 amid protests by certain Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and other groups.
Five of the 19 RECs were returnees for their second and last five-year tenure.
Those whose tenure were renewed were Ibrahim Abdullahi (Adamawa); Obo Effanga (Cross River); Umar Ibrahim (Taraba); Agboke Olaleke (Ogun) and Prof Samuel Egwu (Kogi).
The 14 others on fresh five-year appointment are: Onyeka Ugochi (Imo); Muhammad Bashir (Sokoto); Prof. Ayobami Salami (Oyo); Zango Abdu (Katsina); and Queen Agwu (Ebonyi).
Others are: Agundu Tersoo (Benue); Yomere Oritsemlebi (Delta); Prof. Yahaya Ibrahim (Kaduna); Nura Ali (Kano); Agu Uchenna (Enugu); Ahmed Garki (FCT); Hudu Yunusa (Bauchi); Prof. Uzochukwu Chijioke (Anambra) and Mohammed Nura (Yobe).
Speaking on the uniqueness of the swearing in , the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, stated that each of the RECs is bringing to the Commission, knowledge and experience in various fields.
The INEC boss added that in terms of professional background, nine of the RECs were from academia, including professors; two lawyers; an accountant; a retired Ambassador and six civil/public servants, including retired Permanent Secretaries.
Responding on behalf of the RECs, Obo Effanga, assured that they would be bound by the oath of allegiance to Nigeria and also discharge their responsibilities in accordance with the guidelines and other provisions of their appointment to deepen the integrity of the electoral system in the country.
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