INEC Rivers gets new REC, begins exercise to update voters' register
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has redeployed Dr Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem as the new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections. Alalibo, who
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has redeployed Dr Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem as the new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Alalibo, who hails from Bayelsa State, once served as REC in Rivers State, and later in Cross River and Edo States before returning to the state.
Rivers INEC's official social media handle reported that Alalibo held his first official meeting with the commission's management and staff.
It was gathered that members of staff familiar with Alalibo gave him a warm reception during the meeting, which took place at the INEC Rivers State office in Port Harcourt.
Addressing the gathering, the REC reportedly expressed appreciation to the workers for the cordial reception accorded to him since his resumption of duty and called for renewed commitment to duty, teamwork, and collaboration in discharging 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 during the ongoing claims and objections exercise, which 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 Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), the state INEC would run the programme from April 29th to May 5.
"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 affords the general public the opportunity to object to any inclusion of foreigners, deceased or underage persons in the preliminary register of voters for possible removal", the statement said.
The commission encouraged all registered voters to participate in the process, which is geared toward ensuring a credible voters' register as part of preparation for the 2027 elections.
