A group of seventeen Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) focusing on governance and electoral integrity have collectively petitioned the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The petition, dated November 1, 2023, calls for the rejection of the nomination of Messrs Etekamba Umoren and Isah Shaka Ehimeakne as Resident Electoral Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
This move follows the approval by President Tinubu on October 25, 2023, of the appointment of nine new Resident Electoral Commissioners for INEC, including Etekamba Umoren and Isah Shaka Ehimeakne, representing Akwa Ibom and Edo States, respectively.
The petition, signed by the seventeen CSOs, urges President Tinubu to reconsider the nominations, citing concerns about the candidates’ suitability and qualifications. The groups have emphasized the importance of maintaining an electoral institution that is truly independent and commands the trust and confidence of both citizens and electoral stakeholders.
They have urged the President to withdraw the nominations in the interest of the public and to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
In the petition titled: ‘Petition against the nomination of Messrs Etekamba Umoren (Akwa Ibom) and Isah Shaka Ehimeakne (Edo) as Resident Electoral Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),’ the civil society groups hinged their objections on the grounds that the duo were card-carrying members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The CSOs stated that
“Messrs, Elekamba Umoren and Isah Shaka Ehimeakne are not qualified for appointment as Resident Electoral Commissioners of INEC as they are deeply involved in partisan politics contrary to the requirements of section 156(1) and Third Schedule, Part 1, item F, paragraph 14 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Altered).”
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In reference to the Constitution, the CSOs have highlighted the essential requirement for the non-partisanship of individuals appointed as Resident Electoral Commissioners of the INEC. Specifically, they emphasized section 156(1)(a), which expressly forbids the appointment of any member of a political party as a member of the INEC:
“To further ensure the neutrality of the members of INEC, the Constitution mandates in the Third Schedule, Part 1, item F. paragraph 14 (1) that a Resident Electoral Commissioner shall be non-partisan and a person of unquestionable integrity. Messrs, Etekamba Umoren and Isah Shaka Ehimeakne are not only members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) but have publicly declared their membership and campaigned for the party wearing attires of the party at campaigns and public events.”
Concerning Mr. Elekamba Umoren, the CSOs have specifically highlighted that he is not only affiliated with the APC but has also previously served as an aide to the current Senate President, Dr. Godswill Akpabio, during his tenure as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
They said,
“He also served as the Chief of Staff to the President of the Senate when he was the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
“Umoren, then a card-carrying member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had served as Chief of Staff, Government House, under the administration of Dr. Godswill Akpabio as Governor of Akwa Ibom State. Similarly, upon assumption of office of Governor of the state in 2015, Governor Emmanuel Udom appointed Mr Etekamba Umoren as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), still being a member of the PDP, among others facts.”
Regarding Mr Isah Shaka Ehimeakne, the groups stated that prior to his appointment as a Resident Electoral Commissioner, “his Facebook page in his name, Isah Shaka, embarked on campaigns for the APC and its candidates.”
According to the CSOs, this demonstrates his partisan stance, disqualifying him from the position of Resident Electoral Commissioner, which demands impartiality and non-partisanship in accordance with the constitutional provisions mentioned earlier.
According to the petition,
“Mr Isah Shaka Ehimeakne also suffers a deficit of integrity for appointment as a Resident Electoral Commissioner”.
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The petition added,
“This is because within 24 hours after the announcement of the appointments, he quickly deleted his Facebook account where he had displayed open partisanship in his support for the APC. This is a calculated attempt to deceive and mislead Nigerians. A sensitive office like this should not be entrusted to persons who possess such character traits. That is why the Constitution specifically provides that only persons of unquestionable integrity are appointed into the INEC.”
The CSOs, however, prayed:
“Completely reject the nomination of Mr. Etekamba Umoren nominated from Akwa Ibom State, and Mr. Isah Shaka Ehimeakne from Edo State as Resident Electoral Commissioners into the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC);
“Urge President Tinubu to withdraw their nomination in the public interest and in furtherance of his commitment to ensuring a truly independent electoral institution that enjoys the trust and confidence of citizens and electoral stakeholders;
“Request President Tinubu to uphold the federal character principle in re-nominating a non- partisan, neutral, and competent Nigerian to represent the south-south region as INEC National Commissioner;
“Request President Tinubu to uphold the federal character principle in re-nominating a non- partisan, neutral, and competent Nigerian to represent the south-south region as INEC National Commissioner;
“Also, request the President to uphold the principle of diversity by ensuring gender inclusion in the nomination of non-partisan and competent Nigerians as INEC National Commissioners;
“Ensure that members of the Independent National Election Commission are individuals with impeccable character, unquestionable neutral inclinations, and competence;
“Ensure proper scrutiny and due diligence are exercised in the confirmation of nominations to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); and
“As custodians of the Nigerian constitution, the Senate should ensure that the principle of Federal Character is protected to guarantee inclusiveness and promote national unity amongst Nigerians.”
The CSOs expressed optimism that their petition would be considered and granted due attention.
Among the signatories are the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO); Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID); Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC); CLEEN Foundation; Elect HER; Enough is Enough; International Press Centre (IPC); Inclusive Friends Association (IFA); Justice, Development, and Peace Makers Centre (JDPMC), Osogbo; and The Kukah Centre.
Others include The Electoral College; The Electoral Hub; Nigeria Women’s Trust Fund (NWTF); Partners for Electoral Reform; TAF Africa; Women Advocate Research & Documentation Centre (WARDC); and Yiaga Africa.
