The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has administered the oath of office on seven new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), bringing the number of RECs to 33.

The INEC boss who administered the oath in Abuja, yesterday, expressed confidence that the new RECs would contribute to the commission’s determination to make 2019 general elections the best in the country.

Speaking further, Prof Mahmoud advised the new commissioners to maintain openness and consultations, urging them to be firm and courageous in carrying out their new assignments.

Segun Agbaje, who represents Ekiti State, responded on behalf of the new RECs and pledged his colleague’s readiness to justify the confidence reposed in them.

The new RECs, including Agbajae are: Mr. Baba Yusuf (Borno), for second term, D.r Uthman Ajidagba (Kwara); Yahaya Bello (Nasarawa State); Dr. Emmanuel Hart (Rivers); Mohammed Ibrahim (Gombe) and Dr Cyril Omorogbe, Edo.

He further disclosed that in addition to the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, the commission will conduct four bye-elections this year; to fill vacancies and listing them as Takum State Constituency in Taraba, Lokoja/Koton-Karfe Federal Constituency in Kogi, Bauchi South Senatorial District and Kastina North Senatorial District in Kastina State.

He reassured newly-registered voters in the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) of getting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) before the 2019 general election.