CSOs Oppose Akpabio’s Kinsman As Resident Electoral Commissioner

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has flayed the nomination of Mr Etekamba Umoren, as one of the 10 new resident electoral commissioners (RECs).

They alleged that Umoren, a former Government House permanent secretary during former Governor Godswill Akpabio’s era, remains a card-carrying member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Addressing journalists at a press conference yesterday in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, the director, Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), Otuekong Franklin Isong,  on behalf of the coalition under the aegis of Coalition of Civil Societies in Nigeria (CCSON), noted that section 156(1) (a) and Third Schedule, part 1, item F, paragraph 14(1) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), do not support such appointment.

He said, “Mr Etekamba Umoren, is a card-carrying member of the ruling APC at the centre, in Akwa Ibom State, who had also campaigned for the APC in the last general elections. His appointment will further undermine the citizens’ confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“The appointment will also jeopardize the trust of other political parties in the Commission. As CSOs that have been part of the struggle for the return of democracy since 1999, we will not allow any undemocratic action that could truncate our hard – earned democracy, which some of our colleagues unfortunately paid the supreme price.

“We will continue to ensure the sustenance of Nigeria’s journey towards democratic consolidation by promoting and protecting the electoral integrity.”

The group recalled that Umoren, had over the years been named into various positions during Akpabio’s time in the PDP, before defecting to join the APC, and served as the Chief of Staff (CoS), when Akpabio served as the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

They, therefore, urged President Tinubu to withdraw his nomination in the interest of peace, justice, equity, fair play and good conscience.