Rivers gets new REC as INEC begins update of voters’ register 

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission has redeployed Dr Johnson Sinikiem as the new Resident Electoral Commissioner for Rivers State.

Sinikiem, who was a former  INEC REC in the state, and later served in the same capacity in Cross River and Edo states.

The official social media handle of the State INEC on Wednesday showed that Alalibo held an official meeting with the commission’s management and staff following his return to the state.

The meeting was held at the commission’s headquarters along Aba Road, Port Harcourt, even as he exchanged pleasantries with staff members.

When contacted, the Head of Department, Voter Education and Publicity, of INEC in Rivers State, Geraldine Ekelemu, confirmed the return of Dr Sinikiem, as the new REC.

Ekelemu, when asked if the new INEC REC has resumed, he also gave a terse response saying, ‘Yes’.

Meanwhile, addressing the gathering,  Sinikiem, expressed appreciation to the workers for the cordial reception accorded him since his resumption of duty.

The new Rivers REC called for renewed commitment to duty, teamwork, and collaboration in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Speaking on behalf of the Management and members of staff, the Administrative Secretary, Dr. Angela Ebhodaghe, was quoted as thanking the REC for convening the meeting and pledged the full support and cooperation of the workforce to his administration.

She charged electoral officers to ensure effective service delivery in the ongoing claims and objections exercise that started on April 29 at the various INEC Local Government Area offices.

Rivers INEC in a statement signed for the REC by its Head of Department, Voter Education and Publicity, Geraldine Ekelemu earlier announced the exercise.

The statement said following the conclusion of the second phase of Continuous Voter Registration the state INEC would run the programme from April 29th to May 5.

The statement reads, “The exercise is to enable those, who registered, transferred or updated their registration details to verify their information and check for omission or error.

“It also allows the general public to object to any inclusion of foreigners, deceased or underage persons in the preliminary register of voters for possible removal.”

The INEC enjoined all registered voters to participate in the process designed to ensure a credible voters’ register as part of preparation for the 2027 elections.