New INEC REC, Idris Pledges Integrity, Transparency in Electoral Process

New INEC REC, Idris Pledges Integrity, Transparency in Electoral Process

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

One of the six newly sworn-in Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris, has made a commitment to uphold integrity and transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Speaking with newsmen at the swearing-in ceremony held in Abuja on Friday, on what Nigerians should expect, Idris emphasized the weight of responsibility that comes with their appointments and the importance of ensuring free, fair, and credible elections across the nation.

“For us, we don’t take this appointment for granted and we know what we are up to. It’s an uphill task,” Idris stated.

He noted the RECs’ duty to work diligently and conscientiously.

“We are supposed to ensure in our various states free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections. We have to, and it is our responsibility, to work diligently, conscientiously, with the fear of God,” he said.

Idris highlighted the core values that will guide their work, including professionalism, excellence, and teamwork.

“Integrity is very central and it’s very key, so we must work with integrity. Just like the Honorable Chairman always says, integrity is the bedrock of everything. It’s the bedrock of the electoral process. Integrity is our watchword. The electoral process can only improve if we are free, fair, credible, and transparent,” he affirmed.

Speaking earlier on behalf of the six other RECs, Idris expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.

“It is with deep humility, profound gratitude, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility that I and on behalf of the newly sworn-in RECs stand before you today.

“We are deeply and sincerely grateful to the Honourable Chairman of INEC, whose visionary and exemplary leadership continues to inspire confidence, trust, transparency, integrity, inclusivity, and innovation in the electoral process,” Idris added.

Also earlier in the ceremony, Prof. Yakubu congratulated the newly appointed RECs, emphasizing the importance of their roles in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

He urged the new RECs to adhere strictly to the electoral legal framework and to engage with stakeholders through regular consultative meetings.

“The conduct of elections is not only a huge responsibility but also a sacred duty,” he remarked.

Yakubu also reminded the RECs of the importance of accountability, stating, “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.”

In line with current policy, the INEC Chairman said the new RECs will be deployed within their respective geopolitical zones, but none will serve in their states of origin.

Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem will serve in Cross River, Mukhtar Umar Gajiram will be assigned to Taraba, Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris will take on responsibilities in Gombe, Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi will be deployed to Ogun, Chukwuemeka Christopher Ibeziako will serve in Abia, and Umar Yusuf Garba will be assigned to Sokoto.

With the appointment of the six RECs, all vacancies across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have been filled.