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The controversies surrounding the attempts to recall Senator Dino Melaye from the Senate may not end soon as a group of registered voters has dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and appointees of Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to court over alleged electoral crimes.
The Special adviser to the Kogi State Governor on Political Matters, Hon Pius Kolawole, Special Adviser on Youth and Students, Hon. MD Eseyin, Security Adviser to the Governor, Navy Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd) and all the seven (7) local government Administrators in Kogi West were charged before Abuja Division of the Federal High Court over allegations of warehousing permanent voters’ cards (PVCs), illegal procession of more than one PVC, alleged forgery of signatures of registered voters in Kogi West.
This was contained in the text and court processes presented to newsmen at a press conference held yesterday in Abuja.
The spokesperson of the group, Olowosayo Gabriel and Amupitan Segun expressed concerns, suspicion and doubt on the sincerity and independence of INEC on the entire process. The speakers said that emerging facts from the scenario formed a substantial part of why they settled for judicial interpretation the whole process.
“On behalf of the concerned Kogi west registered voters across the 7 LGAs, we wish to address you gentleman of the press on the ongoing attempt to recall Senator Dino Melaye, Senator representing Kogi West senatorial district by some individuals sponsored by the government of Kogi state. This press conference became more important in view of the press release credited to the Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] that it has received signatures of above 188,000 registered voters in Kogi west.
“We like to state that on noticing gross violation and several breaches of the electoral act and constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by forging the signature of several of us the registered voters, we have approached the Federal High Court, Abuja seeking for among others an immediate order of the court for all parties involved in the alleged recall to maintain “status quo ante bellum” on the matter pending the determination of our originating summons.
“We also wish to note that as at the last announcement, INEC itself agreed and announced a figure of PVCs collection in Kogi West that is far less than the alleged 188,000 signature. We are aware that there is possible connivance between the people on the recall agenda and INEC because we have evidence of photograph of PVCs in thousands gathered together for the recall, an act contrary to the electoral acts.
“INEC, being a constitutional constituted organ of government should halt any further action pending the court’s adjudication. The people of Kogi West have sued those involved to court for forgery of their signature in a desperate attempt to recall Senator Dino Melaye.
“It is in the light of this that we wish to announce to the whole world that a legal process has been initiated on the subject matter hence all matter relating to recall be suspended forthwith. Thank you ladies and gentle men of the press and God bless Nigeria.”
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