By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
A Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria has raised fears over the appointment of Mr. Etekamba Umoren as a Resident Electoral Commissioner, saying, it will undermine citizens’ confidence in Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC) and increase mistrust.
Mr. Umoren was recently appointed as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) from Akwa Ibom State among others by President Bola Tinubu, a development that has sparked mixed feelings from members of the public.
Arising from its recently held Congress, the Coalition of CSOs through representatives, told journalists in a press conference in Uyo on Monday that the appointment felt short of the constitutional provisions because Mr. Umoren has a strong affiliation with a political party, All Progressives Congress (APC).
Citing relevant portion of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Coalition called on President Bola Tinubu to withdraw the appointment of Mr. Etekamba Umoren as Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Commission in order to build the public confidence in INEC as an electoral umpire.
According to the CSOs, “Mr. Etekamba Umoren is a card carrying member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State who had also campaigned for the APC during last general elections.
“The appointment of Mr. Etekamba Umoren will further undermine citizens’ confidence in INEC and increase mistrust in the commission.
“The appointment will also jeopardize the trust of other political parties in the commission.
“Mr. Etekamba Umoren does not meet the constitutional requirements of being non-partisan as defined by Section 156(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to be appointed as an INEC Commissioner.
“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) outrightly disqualifies any person in partisan politics and card carrying member of a political party from being appointed into INEC as an electoral umpire.”
The Coalition added, “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.
“We collectively demand that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the public interest should withdraw the appointment of Mr. Etekamba Umoren as a Resident Electoral Commissioner in INEC from Akwa Ibom State.”
The CSOs and thier representatives include Center For Human Rights and Accountability Network represented by Otuekong Franklyn Isong; People’s Rights to Life Development Foundation represented by Comrade Ifot N. Ifot and Vital Partners for Development represented by Comrade (Dr.) Victor David.
Others were, Education Support Associates represented by Comrade Ndaeyio Nathaniel; Civil Society Network for Development represented by Comrade Gideon Usen and Youth & Girls Child Education Network represented by
Comrade Ime Udoh.
