Victor EzejaAn interim injunction prohibiting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from considering petitions for the recall of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has been overturned by a Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The court had on Thursday granted an ex-parte application to prevent INEC from taking action on the constituents’ recall process.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelPeople from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s senatorial district were seen in a video queuing to sign Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall petition, but many later admitted that they were deceived into believing it was an empowerment programme that required their voter cards to register.
Anebe Ogirima and four other Kogi Central registered voters submitted the application. Smart Nwachimere from West-Idahosa SAN & Co. represented them.
READ ALSO: Natasha vs Akpabio: Legal Outcome Will Add To Nigeria’s jurisprudence – Nwala
The applicants alleged that the petitions relating to the recall contained fake signatures, and the court ordered INEC and its officials to neither accept nor act upon them.
Additionally, the injunction prohibited the electoral commission from holding a referendum on the issue until the substantive lawsuit was settled.
The court, however, revoked the order on Friday, stating that the people have the civic right to recall any lawmaker.
It said that citizens can peacefully and in good order use their right to recall.
The case has been adjourned to May 6, for further hearing.
READ ALSO: Sexual Harassment Allegation: Natasha Drags Akpabio To IPU
It would be recalled that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for “gross misconduct.” This followed a dispute with Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over seating arrangements.
The Kogi Senator accused Akpabio of sexual harassment which the Senate President denied.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
