Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
INEC denies allegations of disobeying court orders
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has staunchly refuted claims of disobedience to court orders, asserting its consistent adherence to legal directives as a responsible organization committed to the rule of law.
Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, issued a statement in Abuja, responding to allegations made by Chief Chekwas Okorie, the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Oyekanmi dismissed Okorie’s accusations as “pure mischief.”
Okorie had accused INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, of contempt of court for allegedly failing to recognize him as the APGA National Chairman.
The allegations centered around a court order issued by Justice M. A. Madugu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court 40, Bwari, in the judgment of Suit no. FCT/HC/CV/4068/2023 on Nov. 9, 2023. Okorie claimed that both Chief Victor Oye and Prof. Mahmood Yakubu were found guilty of contempt of court for refusing to obey the court’s orders on May 10, 2023.
READ ALSO: Abuja Court prohibits INEC from conducting by-elections to replace 27 Rivers State lawmakers
Oyekanmi, in his statement, highlighted that Okorie’s involvement in the matter is indirect, focusing on the leadership of APGA. He emphasized that Okorie presented a “twisted narrative” to justify what he called an “unwarranted attack” on the INEC Chairman. Oyekanmi clarified that the facts surrounding the case were unfamiliar to Okorie, who erroneously claimed that neither Yakubu nor INEC had appealed against the judgment that found them guilty of contempt.
To set the record straight, Oyekanmi pointed out that the matter was before the Court of Appeal (CA/ABJ/CV/724/2023), rendering it sub judice and preventing anyone from being in contempt of an order of a lower court. He urged Okorie to exercise caution and diligence before making such “malicious allegations” and emphasized the need for a proper understanding of legal proceedings.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va74ZvU2v1IqKByXoX3d
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com