In the midst of recent controversy surrounding the appointment of Etekarnba Umoren as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Akwa Ibom State, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state have firmly rejected claims implying his affiliation with the party.
Etekarnba Umoren previously held the position of Chief of Staff to Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Akpabio’s tenure as the governor of Akwa Ibom State. His nomination was among those recently approved by the Senate, which led to public discussions and criticism. Some critics alleged that Umoren is a member of the ruling APC and called for his nomination to be withdrawn.
However, the APC leaders in Akwa Ibom State have categorically denied these allegations. They argue that Umoren’s prior roles, such as Chief of Staff and Secretary to the State Government, were not linked to any particular political party but were centered on serving the government in a bureaucratic and civil service capacity.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday, Eseme Eyiboh, who heads the Forum of the 2023 APC candidates in Akwa Ibom State, addressed the matter. He challenged those making assertions about Umoren’s political affiliations to provide substantial evidence of his party membership.
Additionally, the Senate has confirmed Shaakaa Chira as the Auditor-General of the Federation (AuGF). Furthermore, the upper legislative chamber endorsed the nominations of seven candidates to serve as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Among the nominees is Etekamba Umoren, who aligns with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The Nigerian Senate conducted the screening and confirmation of these nominees for the position of Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of INEC on Wednesday.