Buhari inaugurates six INEC commissioners

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday said his administration was extremely concerned about the integrity of the electoral process in the country.

He said it was his desire that under his watch, Nigerians would elect their leaders according to their conscience.

Buhari spoke after he inaugurated six newly-appointed national commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission shortly before the commencement of a meeting of the Federal Executive Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Those inaugurated are Dr. Ogunmola Ladipo (South West); Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu (South South); Abubakar Nahuche (North West); Prof. Okechukwu Ibeano (South East); Mr. Muhammadu Haruna (North Central); and AVM Ahmad Muazu (retd.) (North-East).

Buhari said considering the killings and other vices that characterised recent elections in the country, there was the need for urgent steps to be taken to redress the situation.

He expressed the confidence that with their wealth of experience and integrity, the new national commissioners were bringing on board, they would make the difference.

The President said, “…This administration is extremely concerned about the integrity of the electoral processes. You are people of great integrity known throughout the country. This administration will demand of you to be firm and fair.

“What this administration expects is that after we have gone, Nigerians will read the political history and know that we served Nigeria.

“We want every Nigerian to use his PVC cross-checked by card reader, that they have been given the opportunity and security in their respective constituencies to elect those they want to elect. The rest is left to their conscience and to God.”

Ibeano, who responded on behalf of his colleagues, thanked Buhari and Nigerians for giving them the “special and challenging opportunity” to serve the country.

He said, “We pledge to discharge our duties, responsibilities and functions as contained in the oath of allegiance and oath of office which we have just sworn to.”