By Ogenyi Ogenyi,,Uyo
A coalition of Civil Society Organisations, CSOs have called on President Bola Tinubu to withhaw the appointment of Mr. Etekamba Umoren from Akwa Ibom as a Resident Electoral Commissioner in INEC because of his political affliation.
The CSOs told a Press Conference in Uyo on Monday that Umoren did not meet the constitutional requirement of being non-partisan as defined by Section 1561 of the 1999 constitution to be appointed as an INEC Commissioner.
They argued that Umoren has not only been a card carrying member of the ruling All Progressives Congress but an active politician who had held several political appointments including SSG in Akwa Ibom under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), before he defected to the ruling APC in Akwa Ibom State on the of August, 2018
“His 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 Alcwa Ibom State.” Said Mr Franklin Isong, State Director of CHRAN who spoke on behalf of the coalition.
He 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.
They reasoned that if the appointment of Umoren is not withdrawn, it would mar future elections in the country and casts doubts independence of INEC adding that the coalition would continue it’s advocacy on the matter untill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 reports that the CSOs include Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network, Peoples Rights to Life Development Foundation, Vital Partners for Developement, Education Support Associates, Civil Society Network for Developement and Youth and Girls Child Education Network.
