Connect with us
Advertisement

Politics

INEC Obeys Court Order, Suspends Melaye Recall

Published

on

Advertisement

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that it would comply with the directives of the Federal High Court, Abuja that temporarily suspended the recall process of the senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District in the red chambers of the National Assembly, Sen. Dino Melaye.

The Commission made this known in a statement issued by Prince Adedeji Soyebi, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee on Thursday in Abuja.

Advertisement

Soyebi said the commission reached the conclusion following the consideration of the court order dated July 6, 2017, at its regular weekly meeting held on Thursday.

Recall that Naija News had earlier reported the intention of INEC to proceed with Melaye’s recall pending the review of the court order by its legal department.

The court order had directed all parties listed in the suit filed by Melaye to maintain the status quo till the determination of the motion on notice.

Advertisement

Melaye was seeking order of injunction against the commission to stop it from acting on the petition by  registered voters of Kogi west senatorial district.

“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 for the matter to be heard and determined expeditiously.

Advertisement
Advertisement

“Whereas the court had adjourned hearing of the Motion on Notice till Sept. 29, the commission by law has 90 days to complete the process,’’ he said.

Soyebi also said: “section 69 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) sets a limit of 90 days from the date of the presentation of the petition for the exercise to be completed.’’

The electoral umpire however stated its resolve to ensure issues relating to the recall process is expedited given that once initiated, the laws stipulate a limit of of 90 days for the entire exercise to be completed.