INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega on Monday in Abuja swore in eight new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).
They are Mr. Gabriel Ada, Prof. Istifanus Dafirang and Messrs Samuel Usma and Law Azubike. Others are Sylvester Ezani, Minkaila Abdullahi, Sam Olumeku,? and Mrs. Gesila Khan.
He urged them to be nonpartisan in the discharge of their duties as part of sustained efforts to reposition the commission. “May I use this opportunity to urge you to discharge your responsibilities dispassionately, selflessly and with integrity.
“It’s very, very important for the success of the electoral reforms and for bringing about free, fair and credible elections. We cannot afford to be partisan; so we must be non-partisan in whatever we do. Whatever we do, we must create a level playing field for all parties and all contestants.’’
The INEC boss cautioned the RECs to be cautious in their relationships with politicians and advised them to put aside prior affiliations with politicians in order to succeed in the assignment. “We must do this job in the interest of our country without fear or favour to any particular group; so I urge you to bring the requisite integrity to the job you have sworn to.’’?
Jega said the RECs would be required to interact with stakeholders in the discharge of their duty.
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