INEC suspends Melaye’s recall ...seeks to vacate order restraining process

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday, said it will comply with the order given by the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The court had directed 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.

Melaye is seeking orders of injunction against the commission to stop it from acting on the petition by the registered voters of Kogi West Senatorial District.

The commission, which made the decision known after its regular weekly meeting, however, said it had also decided to take immediate steps to vacate the court order and for the matter to be heard and determined expeditiously.

A National Commissioner, Prince Soyebi Adedeji, who briefed journalists after the meeting, 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 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.”

He said 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.