The political career of Dino Melaye, Senator representing Kogi West, is currently hanging in the balance after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) On Monday, September 18, released a new timetable for the recall of the lawmaker.
ALEDEH recalls that the first timetable released by the electoral umpire based on the request to recall the lawmaker by his constituents, became invalid when a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital ordered all parties to the issue to maintain status quo.
September 11, another Federal High Court dismissed a suit by the lawmaker challenging his recall process, instituted by his constituents.
Justice Nnamdi Dimgba who presided over the matter ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, “shall proceed with the recall process.”
ALEDEH recalls that the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator had approached the court seeking an order nullifying the recall process.
Against this backdrop, the court had ordered the electoral umpire INEC to halt the recall exercise, pending the determination of Melaye’s application.
But presiding over the matter September 11, Justice Dimgba said contrary to Melaye’s argument that he was not granted a fair hearing, the constitution does not require a special provision that mandates INEC to grant the lawmaker an opportunity of fair hearing.
The court ordered INEC to serve the lawmaker with the recall petition, schedule of signatures attached to the petitions and a full list of persons in support of the recall process.
Today, the electoral umpire released a new timetable for Melaye’s recall in a statement issued by INEC Secretary, Augusta C. Ogakwu.
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