The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says it is liaising with the National and State Assemblies to declare vacancies in six constituencies so that by-elections can be conducted in earnest.
The Chairman of the commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this Tuesday in Abuja at a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and the swearing-in of new RECs to fill vacancies in nine States of the Federation.
He said in line with the current policy, and until such a time when the Commission decides otherwise, the nine new RECs would be deployed within their geo-political zones but none would serve in his/her State of origin.
The new RECs are: Abubakar Pawa (Kebbi); Abubakar Ahmed (Borno); Dr. Anugbum Onuoha (Edo); Ehimeakhe Isah (Akwa Ibom); Mal. Aminu Idris (Kaduna); Mohammed Abubakar (Kwara); Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola (Ondo); Olubunmi Omoseyindemi (Ekiti); and Shehu Wahab (Nasarawa).
Yakubu added that so far, five vacancies have been declared for Surulere 1 Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency of Taraba State, Chibok State Constituency of Borno State, Chikun State Constituency of Kaduna State and Guma State Constituency of Benue State.
The chairman noted that the commission would soon release the timetable and schedule of activities for the re-run elections and by-elections in constituencies where vacancies have been declared by Presiding Officers of legislative houses following the death or resignation of serving members of the National and State assemblies.
These are: Ebonyi South and Yobe East Senatorial Districts, Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency of Ondo State, Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency of Kebbi State, Isa/Sabon Birni Federal Constituency of Sokoto State and Khana II State Constituency of Rivers State.
He said: “Very soon, the Commission will release the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the re-run elections which will be combined with bye-elections in constituencies where vacancies have been declared by Presiding Officers of legislative houses following the death or resignation of serving members of the National and State assemblies.”
Yakubu cautioned the newly sworn-in RECs against engaging in puerile debate that adds no value to their work.