Melaye’s Recall: INEC Complies With Court Order, Petitions CJN

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), said it was complying with the order of the Federal High Court, Abuja dated 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 seeking for his recall.

National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committeeof the INEC, Prince Adedeji Soyebi, in a statement said, “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 29thSeptember 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 district.”