INEC suspends Melaye's recall process, says 'we'll comply with court order'
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), said it has put in place measures to vacate a court order directing it to maintain the status quo on the recall of the Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye.
Consequently, the commission has decided to meet with the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN in order to get commitment that the courts would not be used to tamper with her constitutional responsibility as an electoral umpire.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Solomon Soyebi in a statement issued after the commission’s regular weekly meeting, said the electoral body considered the order given by the Federal High Court, Abuja dated 6th July 2017 directing the “parties to maintain the status quo till the determination of the plaintiff’s motion on notice,†in respect of the suit filed by 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.
“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 and determined expeditiously.
“Whereas, the court adjourned hearing of the Motion on Notice to 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 further decided to draw the attention of the Chief Justice of Nigeria to the order in view of its effect on the performance of the Commission’s constitutional duty to conduct the referendum for the recall in Kogi West Senatorial districtâ€, he said.
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