The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been berated for suspending all processes relating to Saturday’s Governorship and State Assembly elections in the state.
All Progressives
Congress (APC) Campaign Council in Rivers state, while reacting to the
suspension also described the decision as illegal and not having any
legal backing.
A statement signed by the Director, Strategic
Communications of the APC Campaign Council in Rivers state, Prince Tonye
T.J.T Princewill also said INEC’s decision would not save the state
Governor, Nyesom Wike from losing the elections, even as he challenged
the electoral umpire to declare results of areas where elections already
took place.
“INEC’s decision is illegal because it is not
supported by law. Section 296 of the Electoral Act cited in the INEC
Press Release is not even applicable because that section deals with a
situation where a date has been appointed for the holding of an
election, and there is reason to believe that a serious breach of the
peace is likely to occur if the election is proceeded with on that date
or it is impossible to conduct the election as a result of natural
disasters or other emergencies, then the commission may postpone the
election.
“You can see that this provision does not apply to a
situation where an election has already been conducted or held, which is
the present position in Rivers State.
“Since the elections
in Rivers State have been held Saturday, INEC is bound by virtue of
section 27 of the Electoral Act to announce the results. Having admitted
in paragraph one of the Press Release that it has conducted elections
on the 9th of March in Rivers State, INEC must by virtue of section 27
of the Electoral Act, announce the results.
“INEC’s decision to
postpone the already held elections is ultra vires, illegal and
unconstitutional. Such an unlawful decision can now be challenged in
court by virtue of section 26 subsection 5 of the Electoral Act. The
challenge can be launched by any of the many contestants at a court or
tribunal of competent jurisdiction and on such a legal challenge, the
decision of INEC shall also be suspended until the matter is determined.
“Our
concerns about INEC and our lack of faith in the REC are continually
validated. This was same way they suspended a by election we held a few
months ago when it was clear we were winning. Now, the AAC candidate and
several House of Assembly candidates supported by APC are cruising to
victory and they do it again. Can they not just step out of the way and
let the will of Rivers’ people prevail?
“Rivers state was largely
peaceful. Why not deal with areas where you say you have violence and
leave the other results to go through? It’s common sense. Why suspend a
whole state? Wike will go. It is only a matter of time. We always knew
this. Now the world knows it too. Not even INEC can save him”. The
statement said.
Source:- Leadershipng
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