From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has condemned, in strong terms, the invitation of its Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem, by the state police Command. INEC also warned that any action capable of creating the impression of harassment of its officials or infringement of the independence of the commission must be avoided, especially ahead of the 2023 general election.

The commission, in a statement signed by National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, argued that the police authority would have visited its state office instead of inviting the commissioner.

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“For emphasis, our REC in Edo State, Dr Sinikiem, is a conscientious public officer and co-chairman of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) at state level.

He was the sitting REC when the last governorship election was conducted in Edo State on September 19, 2020, which was adjudged to be free, fair and credible,” the statement noted.