Recall: Melaye has evaded service 6 times – INEC
The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has dismissed speculation that it has an uncanny interest in the bid by some Kogi West constituents to recall it’s senator, Dino Melaye, saying it is only interested in discharging its mandate under the law.
In a late Tuesday statement after the commission met to deliberate on the issue, INEC National Commissioner in charge of Publicity, Solomon Soyebi also disclosed that the Senator had evaded service of the recall processes on six occasions.
He said: “All attempts to serve the senator have been futile as he has made himself unavailable. The Bailiff of the High Court, accompanied by INEC officials have visited the office of the senator at the national assembly and his residence on six occasions but found the office locked. On resumption of the Senate after its recess, the senator refused to accept service of the documents”.
Soyebi said the commission had thereafter approached the court for substituted service but was again directed to make further attempts at serving the senator directly, adding that the commission has not been able to proceed with the process as a result of the senator’s continued evasiveness.
He said, “INEC does not have any interest whatsoever in the outcome of the Kogi West petition for recall. Its interest is limited to ensuring all electoral activities are undertaken in line with due process and without fear or favour”.
