The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sworn in six Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to fill vacancies in six States of the Federation.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, while speaking at the swearing-in of the six RECs on Friday in Abuja said all vacancies have been filled in the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He told the new RECs that the conduct of elections is not only a huge responsibility but also a sacred duty.
The chairman added that as RECs, they are the representatives of the commission in the various States to which they would be deployed.
He explained that in the various States to which they would be deployed shortly, they would be in charge of personnel and resources.
The chairman urged the RECs to manage their personnel and the extremely limited resources at their disposal very well.
He said while their appointment is a full-time and not part-time responsibility, they must provide leadership and exercise effective supervision.
Yakubu noted: “Let me make it clear from the outset that you must at all times be guided by the electoral legal framework, the code of conduct for RECs as well as the regulations and guidelines governing the Commission’s operations.
“Above all, you must always act in good conscience. Do not betray your oath of office. In the best tradition of the Commission, you must engage with stakeholders through regular consultative meetings and must not be impervious to genuine criticisms.
“It is also important to understand and operate within the limits of your delegated powers and responsibilities.
“Our State offices are part and parcel of the Commission. You must never act independently or think that you can act in violation of the law, regulations and guidelines or defy the Commission without consequences.
“We will hold you accountable for your actions and inactions. We will not hesitate to deal with acts of defiance, indiscretion or transgression on the part of any Resident Electoral Commissioner.
“In line with the current policy, you will be deployed within your geo-political zones but none of you will serve in his/her State of origin.”