By JOHN ONAH, Abuja –
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu on Thursday sworn-into office a new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Hale Gabriel Longpet, from Plateau State.
The member of the INEC family has been posted to Kogi State to serve as REC with immediate effect.
Dr. Longpet fills the vacancy of REC nominee from Plateau State, after Dr. Nentawe Gwoshwe, resigned his appointment to pursue other endeavours few months ago.
At a brief swearing-in ceremony held at the INEC Headquarters, Abuja, on Thursday 21st July, 2022, the INEC Chairman welcomed the New REC, who holds a doctorate degree with specialisation in social work and policy analysis from the United Kingdom and charged him to settle in quickly for the huge task ahead.
Professor Yakubu said “as you assume duty immediately, let me remind you that you are responsible for the management of human and materials resources in your State of posting. You must immediately interact with your staff, pay attention to their welfare, visit the Local Government offices and assess the various facilities in readiness for the 2023 General Election.”
“The Commission has set the bar for credible elections very high. I urge you to join us in raising the bar even higher. I wish to assure you that the Commission will always support you to deliver on our commitment to credible elections.” He added.
Speaking further on the task ahead of the new REC, the INEC Chairman said “as a Resident Electoral Commissioner, you will also interact with various categories of stakeholders. In discharging your responsibilities, you must at all times be transparent and non-partisan while remaining firm and courageous”.
“You must quickly familiarise yourself with the electoral legal framework (the 1999 Constitution [as amended], the Electoral Act 2022 and the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines). You should also study the Commission’s Strategic Plan 2022-2026, the Election Project Plan 2023 as well as established processes and procedures. After all, the 2023 General Election is just 218 days (or about 7 months) away.”
Prof. Yakubu further said, “I urge you to bear in mind that in discharging your responsibilities, Nigeria and Nigerians must always come first. You must abide by your oath of office. You must not act to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate.”
‘You must defend the choice made by voters in all elections and under all circumstances. You must protect the sanctity of the vote without which democratic election is meaningless. I wish you a successful tenure.”
In his response, Dr. Longpet acknowledged the warm reception he has received since his arrival. He promised to work diligently in line with the oath of office administered on him.
The REC noted with pleasure, what he termed as tremendous successes recorded in the conduct of the last two elections, and attributed the successes achieved to the impeccable management of the processes of the Commission.
He assured that he will put in his best to contribute to greater successes in the future to the best of his ability and in compliance with the provisions of the law. Dr. Longpet further assured that he will not do anything that will bring disrepute to the Commission, while also soliciting the support and cooperation of the members of the Commission in the discharge of his duty.
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