The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has said the newly sworn-in Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Elder Monday Udo Tom from Akwa Ibom state would be deployed to Bayelsa State for service.
Yakubu said this on Wednesday in Abuja while swearing-in Mr. Tom, who was confirmed by the Senate last week.
According to him, the appointment of Elder Tom brings the total number of RECs nationwide to 36 out of 37.
“The Commission is awaiting the confirmation and appointment of the nominee for Osun State,” Yakubu said.
He said the new REC holds a BSc. degree in Biological Science and a Master’s degree in Microbiology and that he served as lecturer and civil servant in Akwa Ibom State.
“As I told your colleagues on the occasion of their swearing-in as RECs, you will also be responsible for the implementation of the Commission’s policies.
“In doing so, you will exercise supervisory control over personnel, resources as well the legal and administrative processes in the state to which you are posted. You will also interact with various categories of stakeholders.
“In doing so, you must maintain the required openness and consultation. At the same time, you must be very firm and courageous on the side of the law as well as our regulations and guidelines at all times as required of an unbiased umpire.
“Furthermore, as a REC, you can be posted to any part of the country at any time as the exigencies of service require. For now, you will be posted to a state within your geo-political zone but you will never serve in your state of origin throughout your tenure. In line with this principle, you are hereby deployed to Bayelsa State,” he said.
While telling the new REC that his appointment was coming just 16 days to the 2019 General Elections, he said the commission have already implemented 10 out of the 14 activities in its timetable and schedule of activities.
He added, “The final list of candidates for governorship, state assembly and FCT Area Council elections will be published in all our state offices nationwide and the Commission’s website, tomorrow Thursday 31st January 2019.”
Responding, Elder Tom pledged to discharge his duties responsibly.
He said that he would be contented with whatever he earned legitimately so as not to compromise his personal integrity and that of the commission.
