Date: 2018-04-18

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has sworn in seven new Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs, bringing the total number of serving RECs in the commission to 33.

Performing the ceremony on Tuesday in Abuja, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, expressed confidence that the new RECs would contribute to the commission's determination to make 2019 general elections the best in the country.

Yakubu said: "with the track records of service in the academia, public service and private sector, it is gratifying to note that the new RECs made positive contributions to the society in various ways.

"I am equally delighted to note that some of you have managed elections at national level as RECs.

"I am confident that you will bring to bear on your new assignments, the experience of the recent past that will contribute to our determination to make the 2019 general elections our best elections in Nigeria."

The chairman, however, advised the new commissioners to maintain openness and consultations, as well as be firm and courageous in carrying out their new assignments.

Responding on behalf of the new RECs, Mr Segun Agbaje, representing Ekiti State, pledged the new commissioner's readiness to justify the confidence reposed in them.

Agbaje expressed confidence in the leadership of Yakubu.

He said, "by the grace of God, we shall finish well."

"With your style of leadership, we would not be surprised if 2019 elections turned out to be the best elections in the country."

The new RECs are: Mr Baba Yusuf and Mr Segun Agbaje, representing Borno and Ekiti states for second term.

Others are Dr Uthman Ajidagba, Kwara; Yahaya Bello, Nasarawa State; Dr Emmanuel Hart, Rivers; Mohammed Ibrahim, Gombe and Dr Cyril Omorogbe, Edo.