The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC said it would effect the Supreme Court justice judgment on Bayelsa State once it is served with it
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC said it would effect the Supreme Court justice judgment on Bayelsa State once it is served with its certified true copy. INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye said INEC was bound to obey court orders or judgments.
He stated, “It is when we receive the certified true copy of the judgment that we have clear understanding of what the court tells us to do and we will give effect to the judgment of the Supreme Court. All we have heard and seen as of today are just newspapers reports. We are waiting for our lawyers who are part of the proceedings, and certified true copy of the judgment to enable us to study and give effect to it.”
Prominent lawyers expressed different views on the judgment. While some described it as the growing trend of the court taking over the power of the Nigerian electorate to choose their political leaders, others were of the opinion that a should be ready to live with the consequences of their action if they field an unqualified candidate. Still, others believe that the state might end up with the Speaker of the state House of Assembly as acting governor, before INEC conducted a fresh election.
