The Independent National Electoral
Commission, INEC, has suspended the recall process of Senator representing Kogi
West, Dino Melaye. INEC’s National Commissioner,
Adedeji Soyebi explained that the decision was in line with a court ruling.
Recall that an Abuja Federal High Court had last week ordered the Commission to
maintain “status quo” pending the determination of a suit filed by Melaye
challenging the process.
Speaking on Thursday, Soyebi said
INEC would appeal the ruling.
He said, “The Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC) held its regular weekly today and considered the
order given by the federal high court, Abuja dated 6th July 2017 directing the
‘parties to maintain status quo till the determination of the plaintiff’s
motion on notice’ in respect of the suit filed by senator Dino Melaye seeking
orders of injunction against the commission, to stop it from acting on the
petition by the registered voters of Kogi west senatorial district,” he said in
a statement.
“As a responsible, law-abiding institution, INEC will comply with the order.
However, the commission has also decided to take immediate steps to vacate the
court order and for the matter to be heard expeditiously.
“Whereas, the court adjourned
hearing of the motion on notice on 29th September 2017, it should be noted that
section 69 of the 1999 constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria (as
amended) sets a limit of 90 days from the date of the presentation of the
petition (21st June, 2017) for the exercise to be completed.
“The commission also at its meeting
today, approved a policy of comprehensive audit after all elections. This is in
line with its commitment of ensuring transparency and overall improvement of
the electoral process.”
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