President Tinubu Appoints Anugbum Onuoha as Rivers State REC

Adamawa North Senate Replacement

New REC Dr. Anugbum Onuoha Takes Charge in Adamawa North Senate Replacement

Adamawa North Senate Replacement heralds a new era in electoral leadership for Rivers State.

Adamawa North Senate Replacement: Shaping Nigeria's Electoral Landscape

In a recent turn of events, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given his nod to the appointment of Dr. Anugbum Onuoha as the new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Rivers State. This decision marks a significant development in the Nigerian political landscape and has far-reaching implications not only for Rivers State but for the entire country.

Dr. Onuoha joins a cohort of eight other Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), all of whom have been handpicked by the President for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This appointment comes with a term of five years for each REC, subject to the Senate's confirmation.

The announcement, made through Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, has sparked discussions nationwide. It was stated that the appointment was made in accordance with the powers vested in the President by Section 154 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as Amended) and Section 6 of the Electoral Act (2022). President Tinubu has emphasized that the new appointees must adhere to the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct in the discharge of their duties. This commitment aligns with his vision to establish a new and sustainable standard of transparent, fair, and conflict-free electoral conduct in Nigeria.

While Dr. Onuoha's appointment is undoubtedly significant, it is just one piece of a larger puzzle. The political landscape in Nigeria is evolving, and the role of RECs in ensuring free and fair elections cannot be overstated. These commissioners play a pivotal role in the electoral process, from voter registration to result declaration.

The timing of this appointment is also noteworthy, given the upcoming governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo states scheduled for November 11. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, highlighted the critical nature of these elections during a quarterly consultative meeting with civil society organizations (CSOs).

Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi will be the battlegrounds for this political showdown, and the commission has left no stone unturned in its preparations. A significant event leading up to these elections was the mock accreditation exercise, where actual voters participated in designated polling units. This exercise tested the efficiency of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), designed for biometric voter authentication and result upload to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

The positive outcome of the mock accreditation exercise has raised hopes for a more efficient electoral process. It is an encouraging sign that the BVAS is on track to improve voter accreditation and result upload in the forthcoming governorship elections and beyond.

As part of the preparations, many CSOs have been actively deploying teams of observers to monitor the electoral process. INEC has accredited a total of 145 organizations, deploying a remarkable 7,896 observers. These accredited organizations will soon receive identity cards for their observers, ensuring transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

However, not all is smooth sailing. CSOs have, on several occasions, called on INEC to intervene with security agencies to secure unimpeded access to voting and collation locations. The importance of this access cannot be understated, as it ensures the transparency and fairness of the entire process.

In response to these concerns, INEC Chairman Prof. Yakubu reassured all accredited observers that the commission would continue its engagement with security agencies, both at the national level and within the states where elections will take place. This commitment to providing a secure environment for elections is essential for the credibility of the entire process.

To conclude, the appointment of Dr. Anugbum Onuoha as the new REC for Rivers State is a pivotal moment in Nigeria's electoral history. It reflects the commitment to transparent and ethical electoral conduct, a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. As we look ahead to the critical governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi, the role of RECs and CSOs in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections cannot be overstated.

The story is far from over, and the future of Nigeria's political landscape is being shaped with every appointment, electoral exercise, and commitment to transparency. As the nation watches, it is essential for all stakeholders to remain vigilant, ensuring that the principles of democracy are upheld and that Nigeria's electoral process continues to evolve and improve for the better. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on these developments, as your insights and opinions are crucial in shaping Nigeria's electoral landscape.

As Nigeria gears up for critical elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo states on November 11, the appointment of Dr. Anugbum Onuoha as the new Resident Electoral Commissioner for Rivers State has drawn significant attention. The importance of these elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot be overstated. In preparation for this crucial event, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, recently conducted a successful mock accreditation using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. Civil society organizations (CSOs) have been actively engaged, with 145 accredited organizations deploying 7,896 observers who will play a vital role in monitoring the elections.

In light of these developments, it is imperative to maintain transparency and accountability throughout the electoral process. This is where Election Monitors come into play. These dedicated individuals and organizations work tirelessly to ensure free, fair, and credible elections. By supporting Election Monitors, you contribute to the enhancement of democratic practices in Nigeria. As you continue reading, you will find a selection of products and services that can empower these Election Monitors to fulfill their crucial roles effectively. Your engagement in this endeavor is a testament to your commitment to a more transparent and accountable electoral process. Let's join hands in ensuring the success of these critical elections.