…say there is need to fill the void created by the absence of RECs in various States of the Federation
Civil Society Organizations under the aegis of National Coalition on Improved Service Delivery (NACOISED) have urged President Muhammadu Buhari to as a matter of urgency, appoint the recently cleared Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) nominees.
The National Leader of the group, Prince Chris Azor in a release to newsmen stated that the call is long overdue, adding that it is imperative to fill the existing vacuum created due to their non engagement.
He said, “As we steadily approach the general elections, there is need to fill the void created by the absence of Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in various States of the Federation.
“The RECs play vital roles in conducting electoral activities at the sub-national level. Their absence has become worrisome and a cog in the wheel of electoral process.
“RECs catalyse the functions of INEC as SMOU. That is Supervise, Monitor, Organize and Undertake the electoral process.”
It would be recalled that President of the Senate, Sen. Ahmad Lawan at the plenary session of Tuesday, 26 July 2022 notified lawmakers of the request of President Muhammadu Buhari on Senate’s confirmation of the nominees for appointment as RECs of INEC.
The Senate following the consideration of the report of its Committee on INEC after a screening exercise, approved nineteen (19) persons for appointment as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Presenting the report of the Committee at the plenary session of Wednesday, 5 October 2022, the Chairman, Sen. Kabiru Gaya (APC: Kano) explained that the confirmation of the nominees was in line with section 154 (1) of the 1999 Constitution which provides that: “Except in the case of ex-officio members or where other provisions are made in this Constitution, the Chairman and members of any of the bodies so established shall, subject to the provisions of this Constitution, be appointed by the President and the appointments shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate”.
Sen. Gaya mentioned that the nominees appeared before the Committee on Tuesday, 27 September 2022 for the screening exercise and responded to questions pertaining to their personal background, educational qualification, work experiences and the petitions submitted by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) against 4 nominees.
According to Sen. Gaya, he informed lawmakers that the appointment of 5 out of the 19 nominees were for a renewed term of four years while 14 others were new appointments, and that upon careful scrutiny of all relevant documents belonging to the nominees, the Committee was satisfied with the qualifications, experiences and suitability of the 19 nominees as follows:
1. Ibrahim Abdullahi, mni Adamawa Renewal of Appointment
2. Obo O. Effanga Cross River Renewal of Appointment
3. Alh. Umar Ibrahim Taraba Renewal of Appointment
4. Dr. Agboke Mitiu Olaleke Ogun Renewal of Appointment
5. Prof. Samuel E. Egwu Kogi Renewal of Appointment
6. Onyeka Pauline Ugochi Imo New Appointment
7. Prof. Muhammed Lawal Bashar Sokoto New Appointment
8. Prof. Ayobami Salami Oyo New Appointment
9. Amb. Zango Abdussamadu Abdu Katsina New Appointment
10. Mrs. Queen Elizabeth Agwu Ebonyi New Appointment
11. Dr. Agunndu Oliver Tersoo Benue New Appointment
12. Yomere Gabriel Oritsemlebi Delta New Appointment
13. Prof. Yahaya Makarfi Ibrahim Kaduna New Appointment
14. Dr. Nura Ali Kano New Appointment
15. Agu Sylvia Uchenna Enugu New Appointment
16. Ahmed Yushau Garki FCT New Appointment
17. Barr. Hudu Yunusa, mni Bauchi New Appointment
18. Prof. Uzochukwu Ikemefuna Chijioke Anambra New Appointment
19. Mohammad B. Nura Yobe New Appointment
