‘Akpabio’s ex-Chief of Staff appointed as A/Ibom REC not APC member’

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State have debunked the claims that Etekarnba Umoren, who was appointed as the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state, is a member of the party. Umoren served as Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, when the latter was governor of Akwa Ibom […]

‘Akpabio’s ex-Chief of Staff appointed as A/Ibom REC not APC member’

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State have debunked the claims that Etekarnba Umoren, who was appointed as the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state, is a member of the party.

Umoren served as Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, when the latter was governor of Akwa Ibom State and was among those whose nominations were confirmed by the Senate last week.

His appointment, however, generated public criticism, with those who faulted his nomination alleging that he is a member of the ruling APC and demanding the withdrawal of his nomination.

But APC leaders in Akwa Ibom State, dismissed the allegation, saying Umoren was appointed as the Chief of Staff and then Secretary to the State Government not to serve a political party but to serve a government as a bureaucrat and career civil servant.

Eseme Eyiboh, who leads the Forum of the 2023 APC candidates in Akwa Ibom State, at a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday, challenged those alleging Umoren’s partisanship, to provide proof of his party membership.