INEC Chairman To New Commissioners: The Task Ahead Is Enormous

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu has asked the six new National and a Resident Electoral Commissioner to be mindful while serving in INEC adding that the task ahead is challenging.

While urging them to settle in and familiarize themselves with the rules, procedures and responsibilities of their offices he called on them to contribute their quota to raising the bar of credible elections in Nigeria.

The INEC Chairman, charged them to bring in their cumulative experiences in diverse fields so as to strengthen the work of the Commission for the reform of the electoral process and the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.

ALSO READ: Old Lagos By-Pass Road: Ukah Expresses Satisfaction At Ongoing Work Going

The INEC boss who announced the posting of the new Resident Electoral Commissioner to Ondo State, said the appointment National Commissioners brings their number to 12 in the Commission

Continuing, he urged them to deploy their vast knowledge and diverse experiences to the service of the country as unbiased referees, the INEC Chairman expressed confidence that they will assist in further extending the frontiers of free and fair elections in Nigeria.

According to Professor Yakubu, their success lies largely on their integrity as election managers and as such, must be strict in the application of the law, firm in handling the public trust bestowed in them and fair in their dealings with political parties, candidates and other stakeholders and all Nigerians.

He reminded them that in discharging their duties, they must abide by the oaths of office, continue to defend the choice made by Nigerians at the polls by protecting the sanctity of the vote without which the value of democratic election is diminished.

Speaking on behalf of others, retired Major General Abubakar Alkali, promised that they will fall in line with INEC’s standards in election

He assured that they will dedicate themselves to the values of INEC in dedication, integrity, credibility and otherwise to ensure a free fair and credible elections in Nigeria.