2 new RECs sworn-in by INEC chair

The chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof Mahmoud Yakubu, yesterday swore-in two Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and hailed Mr Festus Okoye for his appointment as a national commissioner, by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The newly sworn-in RECs, Garba Attahiru Madami who will take charge of Kwara State and Ahmad Bello Mahmud, who will also take charge of Kebbi State, were immediately inducted by Yakubu who also assigned them to supervise the conduct of bye-elections in a Kogi State constituency, and a Senatorial bye-election in Katsina State, following the vacuum that was created as a result of deaths.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony, INEC boss, said the commission now has the full complement of 12 national commissioners and all but two resident electoral commissioners.

“We have just witnessed the swearing-in of new resident electoral commissioners. Earlier this morning, a new national commissioner was sworn-in by the President.

It is, therefore, my pleasure to congratulate Garba Attahiru Madami and Ahmad Bello Mahmud on your nomination, confirmation and appointment as the resident electoral commissioners.

Let me similarly welcome on board Mr Festus Okoye as a national commissioner,” Yakubu said. He said each one of them brought to the Commission knowledge and experience that will help in managing the enormous responsibilities of conducting free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.

“Mr Festus Okoye is not only a lawyer but also a well known human rights activist and an expert in constitutional and electoral law.

Ahmad Bello Mahmud is also a lawyer with several years of private legal practice and public service while Garba Attahiru Madami is a retired public servant and lecturer. With only 205 days to the 2019 general elections, you must quickly settle down to work,” Yakubu said.