“The commission’s overriding consideration is the safety of its ad-hoc staff, Electoral Officers and Collation/Returning Officers and is worried that if electoral impunity is allowed to flourish, any individual can harass, intimidate and put the Commission’s officers under duress, procure a favourable declaration and be rewarded with a Certificate of Return,” The Independent National Electoral Commission has said it cannot give Certificate of Return to any individual that harasses, intimidates and puts the commission’s officers under pressure in order to procure a favourable declaration.

The commission said this in response to a court ruling ordering INEC to issue #RochasOkorocha his Certificate of Return as the winner of Imo West Senatorial Election.

Okorocha, had during the declaration of the election result, allegedly kidnapped Prof. Innocent Ibeawuchi, a returning officer in Imo and forced him to announce him as the winner of the election.

Festus Okoye Esq., National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, in a statement said the INEC received a copy of the judgment while also noting that it is also in possession of another court order of a high court in Imo State directing the electoral body not to issue Okorocha a Certificate of Return. “The commission’s overriding consideration is the safety of its ad-hoc staff, Electoral Officers and Collation/Returning Officers and is worried that if electoral impunity is allowed to flourish, any individual can harass, intimidate and put the Commission’s officers under duress, procure a favourable declaration and be rewarded with a Certificate of Return,” Okoye said.

Post Reply

Posted: at 8-06-2019 09:45 AM (4 years ago) | Hero

In my opinion, I think Okorocha should tender an apology for his gross misconduct. This attitude shouldn't be allowed and I think the court should have addressed the issue of his gross misconduct, rather than instructing the commission to release his certificate of return. What of if the Professor he kidnapped died, the court will still rule in his favour.

Posted: at 8-06-2019 03:10 PM (4 years ago) | Upcoming

Reply: