The Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday sworn in three new Resident Electoral Commissioners, including Mr. Akin Orebiyi (Ogun State), who replaces indicted former Ondo State REC, Mrs. Ayoka Adebayo.
Others, who took their oaths of office and allegiance were Dr. Godwin Mbatsavbee, who hails from Benue State and replaces his kinsman, Mr. Eugene Amaju, as REC for the Federal Capital Territory; while Mr. Hussaini Pai, a native of the FCT, replaces his kinsman, Mr. Isiaku Maigoro, as REC in Ekiti State.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, charged the new RECs to provide a level-playing field for all political parties and candidates in the forthcoming general elections.
He reminded them that they were coming in at a critical time in the life of the Commission as well as that of the nation.
He said, “You are joining the Commission at a very critical period in the history of the Commission; at a time when there is very great expectations from Nigerians for free, fair and credible elections.
“At a time where clearly there seems to be a national consensus on the need to reform the electoral process as well as the political process and to contribute to good democratic governance, which can move our country forward.”
He said there was great expectations on all officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission to deliver on the aspiration of Nigerians and to contribute positively to good governance in the country.
“May I, therefore, use this opportunity to, in addition to congratulating you, also urge you to do your best under all circumstances, to do your job and discharge your responsibility with honour, with integrity and with transparency in the best interest of our country.”
Jega also drew the attention of the RECs to the need for them to avoid unwholesome relationships with individuals, especially governors of their host states.
He said, “I would also like to urge you as you discharge your responsibility to please ensure that whatever you do, ensure that you are non-partisan, you are impartial and that you create a level-playing field for all parties and for all contestants.
“I had, when swearing in your colleagues much earlier about six or seven months ago, pleaded with them to ensure that they maintain honourable and decent relationship with their host governments, whether state governments or local governments.
“I want to also urge you to also please maintain a decent relationship with your host community.
“Do not make demands on the state governments until you clear those demands or requests from the national headquarters.”
The INEC chairman said the Commission under his leadership was committed to ensuring that it provided the necessary materials and support to enable them succeed.
He said, “If requiring assistance becomes necessary, please get clearance before you do so.
“This will insulate you from politics and unnecessary allegations and accusations and it will also protect the Commission as a whole.”
The INEC chairman said all hands must be on deck to ensure that the Commission delivered on its promise for free, fair and credible elections.
The Commission advised former Ondo State REC, Mrs. Ayoka Adebayo, who superintended over the controversial Ekiti re-run elections, to resign after she was indicted in a court judgment.
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