News
Court retracts on Melaye’s recall
The Federal High Court Abuja on Thursday fixed August 7 to hear the suit stopping INEC from going ahead with the process of a senator, Dino Melaye’s recall.
The suit which was originally adjourned till September 29, will now be heard on August 7.
Justice Nnamdi Dimgba said he was minded to exercise his discretion to hear the matter within the court’s vacation period.
Melaye, who represents Kogi West Senatorial District, had in the suit, prayed the court to declare the petition his constituents presented to INEC for his recall as illegal.
He also prayed the court for a declaration that the petition forwarded to INEC was invalid and of no effect, alleging that it was signed by fictitious, dead and none existing persons.
But INEC, through its lawyer, Sulayman Ibrahim, requested accelerated hearing of the suit during vacation.
The Commission said it was constrained under section 69 of the 1999 constitution, as amended, to conclude the recall process within 90 days.
It earlier asked the court to vacate the interim order that stopped it from going ahead with the recall process.
INEC is challenging the legality of the restraining order that Justice John Tsoho of the high court issued against it on July 6.
Justice Tsoho had ordered all the parties involved in the recall process to maintain the status quo until September 29 when the case was previously adjourned to.
Earlier when the matter was called, two sets of applicants, applied to be joined as interested parties in the matter.
Michael Olowolayemi, through his lawyer, Ponsak Biyan, applied to be joined as a co-plaintiff while three persons, Olowo Cornelius, John Anjorin and Yusuf Adamu, sought to be joined as co-defendants through their counsel, A. A. Adeniyi.
Even though INEC initially opposed their application, it subsequently withdrew its counter-affidavit to enable the matter to be heard expeditiously.
INEC lawyer however described the interlocutory application as a deliberate ploy to delay hearing of the matter.
-
Education5 days agoUniversity of Ibadan releases 2026/2027 post-UTME screening results
-
Football5 days agoUnpaid £185m Club World Cup fund sparks fresh FIFA controversy
-
Business1 week agoInformation Minister, VON DG to lead ARCON’s 2026 Advertising Industry Colloquium
-
Aviation7 days agoCanada issues 10 key tips to help immigration applicants avoid processing delays
-
Business5 days agoBreaking: NNPCL reduces pump price of petrol as competition intensifies
-
Latest7 days agoFubara’s early push for political structure triggered rift – Wike
-
Politics7 days agoOsun governorship debate cancelled over security concerns
-
News1 week agoMayor Dele Oshinowo boosts students academic interest