INEC vows to proceed ‘courageously’ with Melaye’s recall

The Independent National Electoral Commission has said it is not backing off in the process to recall Dino Melaye, senator representing Kogi west. 

Melaye’s recall process has been entangled in a legal tussle since it started over three months ago.

Speaking at the quarterly consultative meeting at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, said the commission would not be discouraged by obstacles.

He said in a democracy, constituents had the right to recall anybody.

“There was a pronouncement on Thursday last week on the matter and everything has been taking to the court of appeal. We are waiting to be served with court documents and the commission will take a decision today,” he said.

“Ultimately, election and recall are legal processes and we will not violate the laws of this country but I want to assure you that we will proceed courageously.

“Citizens must have the right to recall anybody as long as the process is in conformity with the law of this country and I am committed to that.”

He also warned against the practice of embarking on political campaigns way before the election, saying such was in contravention of the electoral act.

The act gives a 90-day campaign window before election, prescribing a fine of N500,000 for anyone found guilty of doing so.

“We have not released the schedule of activities for the elections. Anything that anybody does is illegal before the law. They should wait for the timetable of the election,” the INEC chairman said.