By Emeka Nze Abuja
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that it would comply with the order of the Federal High Court, Abuja, stopping it from acting on the petition by the registered voters of Kogi West Senatorial district to recall Senator Dino Melaye. According to INEC, the Federal High Court, Abuja, dated July 6, 2017, had directed the “parties to maintain the status quo till the determination of the plaintiff ’s motion on notice,” in respect of the suit fi led by Senator Dino Melaye, seeking orders of injunction against the Commission. A statement by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education
Committee, Prince Adedeji Soyebi, yesterday said the Commission has also decided to take immediate steps to vacate the court order and for the matter to be heard and determined expeditiously. Th e statement read in part: “Th e Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held its regular weekly meeting today (yesterday) and 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 fi led 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. “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 September 29, 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 (June 21, 2017) for the exercise to be completed. “Th e Commission also at its meeting today approved a policy of comprehensive audit after all elections. Th is is in line with its commitment of ensuring transparency and overall improvement of the electoral process.
