The group demanded the removal of Anugbum Onuoha, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s cousin, as Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo State.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa has written to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, demanding the removal of Anugbum Onuoha, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s cousin, as Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State ahead of the governorship election next Saturday.
The group’s country director, John Mayaki, signed the letter dated September 14 and titled “Wike’s Confession and the Urgent Need for the Transfer of Dr. Anugbum Onuoha to Safeguard Electoral Integrity in Edo State.”
Wike had in a TV interview on Friday said Onuoha was his cousin and had been Edo REC for about a year.
However, the group said that to protect the integrity of INEC as an impartial umpire, Onuoha has to be removed since he has political affiliations.
The letter to Yakubu read, “We write to express our utmost concern and alarm regarding the appointment of Dr. Anugbum Onuoha as Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, given his well-documented history as a staunch political loyalist of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, now serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
“Sir, just yesterday, Friday, September 13, the FCT Minister, while speaking in an interview with Channels Television, acknowledged that Onuoha is his first cousin and has been the REC in Edo state for over a year.
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“In Wike’s words, ‘He (Onuoha) was posted to Edo more than one year ago… ‘For accusing my first cousin, they have made a mistake. You know why? I was thinking I am strong; you are meeting a rock (Onuoha),’ said Wike.
“Sir, Dr. Onuoha’s compromised position is further underscored by his active participation in political rallies alongside Governor Wike and his dedication to serving the partisan interests of his political benefactor.
“This blatant conflict of interest threatens to undermine the foundation of our democracy and imperil the trust of the people in the electoral process. Dr. Onuoha’s appointment indicates the politicization of the electoral process, leading to a loss of faith in the democratic system.
“The integrity of INEC is the bedrock of our democratic edifice. When compromised individuals preside over the electoral process, the consequences are catastrophic. A loss of trust in the democratic process will unleash chaos, and the rule of law will give way to anarchy.
“In this precarious moment, INEC has a sacred responsibility to protect the integrity of the electoral process and maintain public trust. Dr. Onuoha’s appointment is a ticking time bomb, waiting to destroy the credibility of the electoral process. INEC must act decisively to redeem its reputation and prevent electoral chaos.”
The group urged INEC to transfer Onuoha to another role within the commission and appoint a neutral, unbiased individual as Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State.
“This is not merely a request, it is an imperative to safeguard our democracy. The people demand, and the nation requires, an electoral process that is not only free and fair but also perceived to be so by all stakeholders.
“Failure to act will precipitate a crisis of confidence in our democracy, with devastating consequences for the nation. The world watches, as do Edo citizens home and abroad who have expressed a desire to freely determine their next leader without manipulation. We implore you to act with courage, integrity, and urgency to ensure that the Edo State governorship election restores hope and not trigger chaos,” the letter added.