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INEC Swears in Additional Nine New RECs

Published

3 years ago

December 12, 2023

322 Views

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Tuesday swore in nine additional Resident Electoral Commissioners.

The Senate had on November 1, 2023, approved the appointment of seven of the nominees of President Bola Tinubu as RECs of the Commission.

The appointment followed Tinubu’s request for confirmation of the nomination of the RECs for INEC in accordance with the provisions of Section 154(1) of the Constitution.

At the swearing-in ceremony held at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja, Yakubu told the nine new RECs that the conduct of elections was not only a huge responsibility but also a sacred duty urging them to be guided by the electoral legal framework, the code of conduct for RECs and good conscience.

He said, “The conduct of elections is not only a huge responsibility but also a sacred duty. As RECs, you are the representatives of the Commission in the various States to which you will be deployed shortly.

“I urge you not to engage in a puerile debate that adds no value to your work. At the same time, you must not be impervious to genuine criticisms. You must maintain the Commission’s tradition of regular consultations with critical stakeholders.

“You must always be very firm in ensuring fairness and transparency to all. Let me make it clear to you from the outset that you must at all times be guided by the electoral legal framework, the code of conduct for RECs, and your good conscience.

“Similarly, I must warn you to understand and operate within the limits of your delegated powers and responsibilities. Our State offices are part and parcel of the Commission and we will not hesitate to deal with acts of defiance, indiscretion, or transgression on the part of any REC.”

The INEC chairman further noted that the 10th REC-designate would be sworn in next month on the expiry of the tenure of the REC representing Akwa Ibom State currently deployed to Delta State.

He said, “Today, nine out of the 10 RECs screened and confirmed by the National Assembly were sworn in at this ceremony.

“The tenth REC-designate will be sworn in next month on the expiry of the tenure of the REC representing Akwa Ibom State currently deployed to Delta State. By the proactive decision taken by the appointing authority, there will be no long waiting period before the vacancy is filled.

“Let me therefore seize this opportunity to commend the selfless and dedicated service rendered to the commission and the nation by the outgoing REC in Delta State, Reverend Dr Monday Udo Tom. The same appreciation is extended to all the other RECs whose tenure ended after serving meritoriously.”

Mahmood added that this was the first time that several INEC career officers were appointed as RECs, calling on them to hit the ground immediately.

“Among the nine new RECs, four have been career officers of the Commission rising to the rank of Director. They have been involved in elections and electoral activities both in the field and at the Headquarters.

“Their experiences traversed electoral operations, election and party monitoring and electoral litigation. This is the first time that several INEC career officers have been appointed as RECs. You are not new to the conduct of elections. There is no learning curve for you.

“Consequently, there can be no excuses for failing to hit the ground running and for making a huge difference to the quality and transparency of elections. The other five RECs are sworn in today and have varied experiences in public service at both the National and State levels. We will hold you to the same standard as we hold the career officers of the Commission.”

The new RECs have been deployed as follows: Abubakar Dambo Sarkin Pawa, Kebbi; Abubakar Ma’aji Ahmed, Borno; Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, Edo State; Ehimeakhe Shaka Isah,
Akwa Ibom; Aminu Idris, Kaduna; Mohammed Sadiq Abubakar, Kwara; Barr. Oluwatoyin Babalola, Ondo; Olubunmi Omoseyindemi, Ekiti; and Shehu Wahab, Nasarawa.

Barr. Oluwatoyin Babalola who spoke on behalf of the newly sworn-in RECs pledged to be loyal to their duties while recognising their responsibilities as RECs in Nigeria.

Until her appointment, Barr. Oluwatoyin Babalola from Ekiti State was the Director of Legal Services at the commission’s headquarters.

Aminu Idris from Nasarawa state was a retired director, Election and Political Parties Monitoring Department, at the INEC headquarters.

Shehu Abdulwahab was the INEC’s administrative secretary in Benue State before he was appointed a REC.

News

Lagos, FG Hold Stakeholders’ Meeting Over Coastal Highway Flooding

Published

5 hours ago

July 6, 2026

Charles Flames

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The Lagos State Government and the Federal Ministry of Works are meeting with key stakeholders today to address flooding concerns along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor.

The meeting, directed by President Bola Tinubu, brings together officials from the Lagos State Government, the National Assembly, the Federal Ministry of Environment and other stakeholders to agree on lasting solutions.

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, says the coastal highway did not cause the flooding. Instead, he says the road’s culverts have improved the flow of stormwater, while existing drainage problems and poor waste disposal remain major causes of flooding in affected communities.

Umahi announced plans to build new drainage channels and service lanes, warning that some buildings will be demolished to make way for the project.

He also ordered stricter enforcement against illegal dumping, street trading and illegal parking along the corridor.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, backed the minister’s position, saying experts had shown lawmakers that flooding in Lagos predates the coastal highway.

The Federal Government says the meeting will produce a coordinated plan to improve drainage, protect infrastructure and reduce future flooding.

News

Senate hails Nigerian Army at 163

In a statement issued by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua (APC, Katsina Central), said this year’s celebration marks 163 years of the Nigerian Army’s service to the nation.

Published

6 hours ago

July 6, 2026

OCHEFA

22 Views

The Senate on Monday congratulated the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, officers, soldiers and veterans of the Nigerian Army on the occasion of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, describing the anniversary as a significant milestone in the country’s military history.

The upper chamber also urged officers and soldiers to remain professional, steadfast and committed to their constitutional responsibilities, assuring them of the Senate’s continued support.

He noted that for more than a century, the Army has remained at the forefront of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.

Commenting on the theme of the 2026 celebration, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” Yar’Adua said it reflects the Army’s constitutional mandate and the importance of strengthening its relationship with the public.

News

NGE to host Lateef Jakande 2026 Memorial Lecture: “The Media, INEC, Voters and Path to Credible Elections.”

The Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture is an annual lecture series instituted by the NGE in 2023 to honour the legacy of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the late iconic journalist, who was one-time President of the Guild, former Lagos State Governor, and former Minister of Works.

Published

7 hours ago

July 6, 2026

OCHEFA

24 Views

Photo: Eze Anaba (President) NGE

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) will on July 23, 2026 host the 4th Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture in Lagos.

In a press statement signed by Eze Anaba (President) and Onuoha Ukeh (General Secretary), the lecture will holds at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, with theme: “The Media, INEC, Voters and Path to Credible Elections.” Time is 11am.

The Guild said that Prof Sylvester Odion Akhaine of the Department of Political Science, Lagos State University, will deliver the lecture, with former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, as Chairman. Expected at the lecture is Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is the Chief Host and Special Guest of Honour; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; elders of the Guild, including former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba and publisher of Vanguard group of newspapers, Uncle Sam Amuka; top government officials, managing directors and editors of print, electronic and online publications and civil society groups.

Also expected at the lecture are Mass Communication and Journalism lecturers and students of Caleb University, Ikorodu, Lagos; Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos; Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos and Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, Lagos.

The statement said that the Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture brings together media leaders, public officials, and civil society to reflect on nation-building, governance, and the role of the press, describing it as “a fitting tribute to Alhaji Jakande’s legacy, which embodies dedication to journalism, governance, and service to Nigeria.”

It added: “The Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture continues to serve as a platform for thought leadership, policy debate, and national introspection, while keeping alive the standard Jakande set in journalism and public service.

“The Guild also said that University students are invited to the lecture every year for them “learn the value of service, excellence and dedication to journalism and public service as well as for them to connect with practising journalists who could serve as their role models in the profession.”

The Jakande Memorial Lecture started in 2023, with a lecture delivered by Chief Felix Adenaike, Fellow of the NGE.

In 2024, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of ThisDay and Arise Mews TV, spoke on “Rapid Changing Media Landscape: Survival Strategies.”

The third edition last year had the theme: “Journalism and the Challenge of Nation-Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society” and delivered by Bauchi State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Bala Mohammed.