Barring any last-minute change of plans, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will today commence the recall process of Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Dino Melaye.
TheNewsGuru.com reports that Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court in Abuja had on Thursday, rejected Melaye’s ex-parte motion for a temporary injunction to restrain INEC from proceeding with the recall process.
TheNewsGuru.com reports that the timetable released by the INEC for Melaye’s recall process will run from July 10 (today) to August 19.
However, supporters of the embattled senator have been pleading with some Christian clerics to intervene in the matter.
A team headed by INEC National Commissioner might oversee the process, which may also involve its Operation Department.
A top INEC official, who spoke in confidence, said: “There is no restraining order from any court. We will go ahead with the first leg. But if along the line, INEC is stopped from going ahead with the exercise, we will stop it.
“Pasting the verification notice is just the first leg of the process, which cannot hurt Melaye in any way.
“Even the process does not amount to removing the senator. By virtue of Section 110, a lawmaker is only opportune to gauge the mood of his or her constituents on his or her performance.
“If a lawmaker is doing well, he or she should feel free to face the electorate. The process is not a setback at all for any lawmaker.”
The source added: “A team to be coordinated by the National Commissioner for North central will oversee the process. Definitely, the Operation Department will be involved.
“INEC will, however, seek legal opinion immediately it is served the ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
“We have subsisting court judgments, including those of the Court of Appeal, indicating that no court can stop a recall, which is like an election.”