Aggrieved protesters have given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), up till next Monday to release the Certificate of Return of Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha or they will mobilise one million Nigerians to occupy the headquarters of the Commission indefinitely.
The protesters issued the ultimatum to INEC yesterday when
they besieged the national headquarters of INEC to demand the immediate release
of the Okorocha’s certificate of return as senator-elect.
Okorocha contested the Imo North senatorial election and was
declared winner by the Returning Officer who then turned around to say he
announced the result under duress.
Based on the allegation by the Returning Officer, INEC
decided to hold on to the Certificate, stressing that INEC only issued
certificate to people who genuinely won elections.
However, the group in a protest letter signed by Olisaemeka
Onyeka, APC South East Zonal Youth Leader and five other youth leaders said the
INEC had no right to hold on to the certificate.
They insisted that the result was announced in the presence
of security agencies, other party officials as well as the media, adding that
there was no sign of intimidation or duress.
“We are writing this letter to protest against the decision
of INEC to withhold the Certificate of Return of the Executive Governor of Imo
State, His Excellency Owelle Rochas Okorocha, winner of the Imo North
Senatorial District.
“At the concluded National Assembly, the returning officer
had declared Govornor Okorocha winner of Imo North Senatorial District after
the election on February 23rd and a supplementary election on March 9th.
“It, however, came as a surprise when same commission
alleged that the announcement was made under duress.
“Specifically, the returning officer announced Governor
Okorocha winner of the National Assembly election in the presence of all
security agencies, print and traditional media and INEC’S spokesperson who was
also at the venue.
“We again remind the INEC that once declaration was made by
an election returning officer, the commission has no right to withhold the
winner’s Certificate of Return,” the group said.
They urged the Commission to reconsider its decision as the
continuous withholding of His Excellency Governor Okorocha’s Certificate of
Return has the capacity to fuel tension in the state.
Reacting to the protest, Mr. Kelechi Madumene, an Assistant
Director in the Commission, while commending the protesters for a ‘peaceful’
protest, informed them that the matter was already in court.
He said that it would amount to subjudice to as much as
comment on the matter that was already before the court of law.
He, however, assured them that the Commission will do the
right thing within the dictates of the law. (NAN)
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