JEGA CHARGES RECS ON 2011 ELECTIONS

By NBF News

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has charged Resident Electoral Commissioners to live up to the challenge posed by the 2011 elections.

He said a lot was expected of RECs and that their actions could impact negatively on the elections.

Jega said this while swearing in the new Enugu State REC, Mr. Edwin Nwatarale, in Abuja on Thursday.

The INEC boss said neither he nor any of the RECs could afford to let Nigerians down.

This, he said , was because Nigerians were tired of sham elections and were determined to get it right.

Jega said, 'We have promised Nigerians to deliver free, fair and credible elections and you, along with other RECs, are the people out there who have to ensure this.'

He also enjoined RECs to fully understand the fact that they would be discharging their responsibility under the watchful eyes of their compatriots.

He further said, 'As you are no doubt aware, the job of a REC and indeed, every member of staff of INEC, is a job that is now in the public domain; we are all expected to discharge our responsibilities honestly, sincerely, impartially, on a non-partisan basis and with tremendous integrity.

'I urge you to give this job your best and to be guided by the lofty ideals which Nigerians expect us to bring to this job.

'In whatever you do, ensure that you are not partial and ensure that you discharge your responsibilities sincerely, honestly and with integrity. In whatever you do, please create a level playing field for all contestants and be guided by the rules and regulations along with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as the provisions of the Electoral Act.'