The Associate Professor of Law said his relationship with Wike will not have any bearing on the Edo election.
Anugbum Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo state has reacted to calls for his redeployment.
The Associate Professor of Law at the Rivers State University, who is also a former Special Adviser on Lands & Survey under former Governor Wike-led administration said his relationship with Wike will not have any bearing on the Edo election.
His statement reads:
PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
The attention of Dr. Anugbum Onuoha has been drawn to recent calls by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor Godwin Obaseki regarding his role as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo State ahead of the upcoming September 21, 2024, governorship election.
While Dr. Onuoha acknowledges the concerns raised by the PDP, he wishes to assure the public and all political stakeholders that his appointment by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is rooted in professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to free, fair, and credible elections.
The relationship between Dr. Onuoha and the Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been openly addressed, and it bears no influence on the impartiality with which he will discharge his duties as REC. It is important to note that INEC operates independently and ensures all actions comply with the laws guiding elections in Nigeria.
Dr. Onuoha has always maintained a record of service that upholds transparency and fairness, as evidenced by his previous assignments. He emphasizes that his sole objective is to oversee a credible electoral process where the true will of the Edo State people will be reflected without bias or favoritism.
Dr. Onuoha aligns himself with INEC’s commitment to conducting a transparent election, with results declared at the polling units and visible to the public through the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. He further echoes INEC’s stance that all stakeholders should focus on the electoral process and ensure peace and calm throughout the election.
INEC and its officials are fully prepared to deliver on their mandate, and Dr. Onuoha encourages all political actors and citizens to trust in the process and support a peaceful and democratic exercise.
Thank you.
Dr. Anugbum Onuoha
Resident Electoral Commissioner, Edo State