Melaye’s recall petition: INEC halts further action following court order

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended further action on the petition seeking to recall the senator representing Kogi West district in the National Assembly, Mr. Dino Melaye in compliance with the order given by the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The court had, in the order, directed all 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, in the suit, 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, in a statement yesterday by one of its National Commissioners and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Prince Adedeji Soyebi, explained that the decision was taken by INEC because it is a responsible, law-abiding institution.

Soyebi however added that the commission has also decided to take immediate steps to vacate the court order and for the matter to be heard and determined expeditiously.

The statement reads, ” 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 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.

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 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 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.
“The commission also at its meeting today, (yesterday) approved a policy of comprehensive audit after all elections. This is in line with its commitment of ensuring transparency and overall improvement of the electoral process,” it said.