ABUJA – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a stern warning to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, urging him to refrain from spreading misleading claims about political defections, particularly those involving lawmakers.
In a statement released Friday, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, addressed remarks attributed to Fubara, who allegedly accused the commission of selectively conducting elections to fill legislative vacancies caused by defections from one political party to another. Oyekanmi noted that the governor’s statement lacked specific examples but pointed fingers at INEC for failing to address vacancies tied to the ongoing leadership crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The Rivers Assembly has been embroiled in a power struggle between two factions, with three lawmakers declaring the seats of 27 colleagues vacant, while the opposing side has made similar counterclaims. “The Commission is fully aware of the situation,” Oyekanmi said, “but the matter remains sub judice—pending in court.”
INEC emphasized that it has been named in multiple lawsuits related to the Rivers crisis, with cases spanning various courts, including the Supreme Court. “Until the judiciary delivers a final ruling, any action by the Commission could prove futile, potentially wasting public resources,” Oyekanmi explained, dismissing premature interventions as “puerile.”
The commission called on high-ranking officials like Fubara to exercise caution in their public statements. “We urge those in prominent positions to avoid misleading the public or casting undue blame on institutions, especially when they know cases are still before the courts,” Oyekanmi added.
The statement underscores INEC’s commitment to neutrality and legal due process as it navigates the politically charged situation in Rivers State.
Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/.../inec-to-fubara-dont.../
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