AKWA IBOM: CSOs appeals withdrawal of Umoren as REC of INEC

By Freshgist 

A coalition of Civil society organizations in Nigeria had on Monday appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to withdraw the appointment of Mr Etekamba Umoren as the Residents Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National National Electoral Commission (INEC) as it negates the confident and integrity of our dear nation.

With reason being that the said Umoren  did not meet the constitutional requirement of being non-partisan as defined by Section 156 of the 1999 constitution to be appointed as an INEC Commissioner.

Speaking during a press conference organized, the CSOs disclosed to newsmen in Uyo that Umoren was a card carrying member of the All Progressive Congress and also an active participants who has held several roles and appointment in Akwa Ibom state and the National.

 The coalition explained that Umoren was their son and a good leader at that, that he should be given a political office not an office meant for a non- partisan, 

According to the coalition, Umoren's last political appointment was the Chief of Staff to Senator Godswill Akpabio when Senator Akpabio was the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Ministry.

“The appointment has already triggered outrage among Nigerians with many individuals and groups calling for the withdrawal of the

appointment by President Tinubu because, Mr. Umoren had openly declared his membership of the ruling APC.

“Etekamba Umoren had also campaigned for the ruling APC during the general elections in Akwa Ibom State.”  Mr Franklin Isong, State Director of CHRAN told journalist.

Isong added that said the appointment would also jeopardize the trust of other political parties in the commission.

“As civil society organizations that were part of the struggle for the return to democracy in Nigeria in 1999, we will not allow any undemocratic action that will truncate our hard-earned democracy which some of our colleagues unfortunately paid the supreme price with their lives.

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

"If the appointment of Umoren is not withdrawn, it would mar future elections in the country and casts doubts independence of INEC adding that the coalition would continue it’s advocacy on the matter untill his withdrawal is effected.

Our correspondent listed the signatories of the conference as follows; Otuekong Franklin Isong as State Director of Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network CHRAN, Comrade Ifot N. Ifot as Chief Executive Officer of People's Rights to Life Development Foundation, Comrade (Dr) Victor David as Executive Director, Vital Partners for Development.  Comrade Ndaeyio Nathaniel as cordinator of Education Support Associates, Comrade Gideon Usen as Executive Director, Civil Society Network for Developement and Comrade Ime Udoh as Executive Director of Youth and Girls Child Education Network.