By TINA TIMOTHY

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has charged a newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Etekamba Udo Umoren, to adhere strictly to his oath of office, be neutral and impartial while discharging his duties and comply with the Commission's Code of Conduct as well as keeping regular consultations with stakeholders.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu made this charge, in a press statement on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, signed by National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun MNI, during the swearing in and deployment of Umoren to Delta State.

The statement reads in part: “The Commission held its regular weekly meeting today, Tuesday 30th January 2024. The meeting was preceded by the swearing-in of Mr. Etekamba Udo Umoren as Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) and deployed to Delta State following the expiration of the tenure of the last holder of the office yesterday, Monday 29th January 2024.

“An indigene of Akwa Ibom State, he holds a Bachelor's degree in Geography from the University of Benin.

“Umoren served in various capacities in the Akwa Ibom State civil service, rising to the position of Permanent Secretary.

“The Chairman of the Commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, urged the new REC to adhere strictly to his oath of office which requires neutrality and impartiality in the discharge of his duties. He also enjoined the new REC to abide by the Commission's Code of Conduct and sustain regular consultations with stakeholders.”