ABUJA – The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, rose from its weekly meeting on Thursday, announcing suspension of ongoing process to recall the Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Dino Melaye.
In series of tweets on Thursday, INEC said as a responsible, law-abiding institution, it will comply with the order of the court.
The electoral body said the meeting 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 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.
“However, INEC has also decided to take immediate steps to vacate the court order & for the matter to be heard & 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 d 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 district,” INEC tweeted.
The Commission also approved a policy of comprehensive audit after all elections.
This it says is in line with its commitment of ensuring transparency and overall improvement of the electoral process.
Prompt News Online recalls that the electorates of Kogi West Senatorial District had last week submitted six bags containing signatures of those who want the embattled Senator Dino Melaye recalled.
But, Melaye in the suit alleged that some of the signatures submitted to INEC were forged.
