A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) has strongly criticized the nomination of Mr. Etekamba Umoren as one of the ten newly appointed resident electoral commissioners (RECs)…CONTINUE READING....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
They have asserted that Umoren, a former permanent secretary at the Government House during the era of former Governor Godswill Akpabio, still maintains his membership in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
During a press conference held in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, the director of the Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN).
Otuekong Franklin Isong, representing the coalition known as the Coalition of Civil Societies in Nigeria (CCSON).
pointed out that the appointment is not in accordance with 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).
Isong stated, “Mr. Etekamba Umoren is a confirmed member of the ruling APC at the national level and within Akwa Ibom State, where he actively campaigned for the APC in the last general elections.
His appointment may erode public trust in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The appointment could also jeopardize the confidence of other political parties in the Commission. As CSOs that have been involved in the struggle for the restoration of democracy since 1999, we will not tolerate any undemocratic action that could undermine our hard-earned democracy, for which some of our colleagues have sadly paid the ultimate price.
“We are committed to ensuring the continuity of Nigeria’s journey towards democratic consolidation by advocating for and safeguarding electoral integrity.
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