Amid Dino’s Tribulation, INEC Begins Signature Verification For His Recall

These are not the best of times for the senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Dino Melaye, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the commencement of signature verification of his constituents who are seeking his recall.

INEC, in a statement on Wednesday, announced April 28 to commence the signature verification exercise.

INEC Federal Commissioner, Mr Mohammed Haruna, said the verification exercise would hold in 552 polling units in seven local governments of Senator Melaye`s senatorial district.

If the process goes through, Melaye, who is currently on admission at the Abuja National Hospital may be sent packing from the upper legislative chamber.

Recall that the Senator, who is facing several criminal allegations, had sustained injuries after reportedly jumping off a moving police vehicle while being conveyed to Lokojo, Kogi State, for trial.

Speaking on the recall process in Lokoja, however, the INEC Federal Commissioner said the commission will use card readers between 8am to 2pm during the process to determine the genuineness of those who signed Melaye`s recall.

“Only those who signed the petition are expected to turn up at their polling units for verification,” Haruna said.

On his part, Prof. James Apam, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Kogi said, “We have concluded all arrangements in line with our schedule of activities and are set for the exercise.

“The adhoc staff have been trained at the state and local government levels and materials procured and sent to the registration area centres ready for movement to the polling units on the day of verification,” said Apam.