by Lekan Olanrewaju

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega has sworn in five newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners.

At the inauguration ceremony which took place on Monday, he advised the new Commissioners, who include Prof. Jacob Jatau, Baba Yusuf, Segun Agbaje,  Austine Okojie and Nasir Ayilara, to imbibe the culture of fairness and greater discipline while carrying out their national responsibilities.

He also spoke against partisanship and advised them to adhere to discipline and integrity as they carry on with their duties.

“There are still enormous tremendous challenges ahead of us,” he said.

He continued:

“Yes, we have raised the bar, yes, there is improvement, in fact whatever indices you use to compare the elections we have conducted in April and since April, I think there are clear indicators that we have been improving but the challenges are enormous.  I keep saying that with regards to electoral matters in this country we have left things to be so bad for so long that it will require a lot of efforts to be able to get out of the woods.’’

In an acceptance speech, Okojie promised that through determination, they would be able to discharge their duties.

He said the Commissioners acknowledge the attitude of Nigerians that is contrary to the spirit of fair play during elections and would work towards changing it.