INEC: Secondus, Abaribe, PDP Members Storm NASS, Protest Against Lauretta Onochie’s Nomination
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) protested in the National Assembly on Wednesday over the nomination of Lauretta Onochie, a close adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari, as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Recall that Senate President Ahmad Lawan asked the Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nominations as INEC commissioners shortly after President Muhammadu Buhari nominated Onochie.
The nomination was met with strong opposition, with some Nigerians claiming that a partisan figure like Onochie should not be appointed as an electoral referee.
On the other hand, Prince Uche Secondus, the PDP’s National Chairman, who spearheaded the demonstration, said Onochie is a manipulator who will taint INEC.
Enyinnaya Abaribe, the Senate Minority Leader, and other PDP MPs were also there.
Secondus said, ”We are here to make a final point of total rejection of Lauretta Onochie. She is partisan, we don’t need INEC to be polluted.
”If she is cleared she will be representing one party, APC and that can cause a lot of problems for our country.
”We urge the NASS to reject her. It is important that the country must know that in a crisis situation like this what we need from Mr President is free and fair elections.
”This woman is APC and is a card carrying member. She will pollute the atmosphere at INEC and will rig elections.
”We don’t want the Anambra election and that of 2023 to be rigged. She is a specialist in manipulation.”
Also speaking, Abaribe, who calmed the protesters, assured that justice will be done.
”I have come here with all my colleagues from the PDP in the Senate and as the minority leader this letter will be presented to the Senate President immediately.
”I can reassure you that justice will be done,” he said.
