INEC redeploys REC to Akwa Ibom as Mike Igini retires

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the redeployment of two resident electoral commissioners (RECs).

Festus Okoye, INEC commissioner for information and voter education, announced the development in a statement on Tuesday.

The RECs affected in the redeployment are Cyril Omorogbe, who was moved from Cross River to Akwa Ibom, and Alalibo Sinikiem transferred from Edo to Cross River.

“The public may recall that on 24th March 2022, the Commission redeployed 385 staff nationwide. On that occasion, the Commission announced that this will be a routine exercise which will continue from time to time,” the statement reads.

“In line with the extant policy, the Commission hereby redeploys two Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and eight directorate level staff.”

Okoye said the redeployment is with immediate effect, while handing over should be concluded on or before August 26.

Omorogbe’s deployment to Akwa Ibom follows the retirement of Mike Igini, who had been the REC in the state since 2017.

Igini is known for speaking out against electoral offences and has been commended for overseeing credible elections in the state.

But the All Progressives Congress (APC), the opposition party in the state, had repeatedly called for his removal, accusing him of being partial.

The eight directorate-level staff members redeployed are as follows: