Etekamba Umoren: Appointment of Akwa Ibom REC Faces Rejection Amid Controversy

The appointment of Etekamba Umoren as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) from Akwa Ibom State has generated controversy, with various parties and stakeholders, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and legal expert Femi Falana (SAN), rejecting the nomination.

They argue that Umoren’s appointment could be an attempt by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to influence the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) operations.

Concerns surrounding Umoren’s appointment include:

1. Conflict of Interest: Allegations of a potential conflict of interest that may compromise Umoren’s ability to perform his duties impartially.

2. Partisanship: Umoren’s past affiliation with the APC, along with his visible involvement in party campaigns, has raised questions about his neutrality as a REC.

3. Lack of Public Confidence: A significant lack of public confidence in Umoren’s appointment, casting doubts on his integrity and capacity to carry out the role effectively.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) responded to the controversy, stating that Umoren’s assumption of duties as a REC would only occur after the expiration of the current REC’s term, which is set to end in January. INEC emphasized that it would be unusual for two RECs from the same state to serve simultaneously.

Critics have pointed out that Umoren’s nomination and confirmation violated the Constitution, as he was a member of the APC and had close ties to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who is associated with the APC.

Despite the concerns raised by various parties, including the PDP, and CSOs, Eseme Eyiboh, an APC chieftain in Akwa Ibom State, defended Umoren’s appointment, stating that wearing party regalia does not automatically confer party membership. He emphasized that Umoren is a career civil servant and argued against allegations regarding his financial ties to the APC.

The controversy surrounding Umoren’s appointment continues, with debates and disputes over his eligibility and suitability as a Resident Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State.