Outgoing REC, Alh. Ibrahim Umar, Bows Out Gracefully in Colorful Handing Over Ceremony
By Ameh Gabriel
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Gombe State witnessed a smooth and colorful transition of leadership as Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris officially assumed duties as the new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), succeeding Alhaji Ibrahim Umar.
The handing-over ceremony, held at the INEC office in Gombe, was attended by the Administrative Secretary, Heads of Departments (HODs) from General Administration and Procurement (GAP), Electoral Operations, Election and Political Monitoring (EPM), Legal, Finance and Accounts, and other key staff members.
In his valedictory remarks, the outgoing REC, Alh. Ibrahim Umar, reflected on his tenure and shared insights into the Commission’s operations across the eleven Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Gombe State. He highlighted challenges faced during his time in office, including natural disasters such as severe windstorms that damaged the roofs of some LGA offices at the onset of the rainy season.
Despite these hurdles, Umar assured his successor of a relatively stable operational environment and expressed optimism about a seamless transition. He commended the staff for their dedication and pledged his full support to Dr. Idris for a successful tenure.
In his address, Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris expressed gratitude for the warm reception and thorough handover process. He emphasized professionalism, integrity, transparency, and teamwork as the pillars of INEC’s mandate, urging all staff to uphold these values in the discharge of their duties.
“I am open and accessible,” Dr. Idris stated, encouraging staff and HODs to approach him with innovative ideas that will enhance the Commission’s effectiveness. He called for collective efforts to uphold INEC’s commitment to credible elections and national service.
The event culminated with the formal signing of the handover notes, detailing the Commission’s assets, ongoing responsibilities, and strategic priorities. The two RECs also conducted a joint inspection of the official residence and the INEC Gombe Zonal Store to familiarize the incoming REC with essential facilities.
Demonstrating his readiness to lead, Dr. Idris convened an immediate management meeting to outline urgent priorities, followed by a meet-and-greet session with the general staff. These engagements underscored his commitment to inclusive leadership and operational continuity.
The transition marks a new chapter for INEC Gombe, with stakeholders optimistic about sustained efficiency and credible electoral processes under Dr. Idris’s stewardship.
