- Threaten one-million man sit-out
Supporters of embattled Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha stormed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters on Wednesday demanding an immediate release of his Certificate of Return as the duly elected representative of Imo North Senatorial district
The protesters, who gave the electoral umpire till the close of work on Monday, May 27 to release the certificate, threatened to mobilise one million Nigerians that will permanently occupy the INEC headquarters until justice prevails.
In their protest letter, signed by APC South East Zonal Youth Leader, Olisaemeka Onyeka and five other youth leaders, the group maintained that INEC had no right to withhold the certificate of return.
According to them, the results were announced in the full public glare of security operatives, political party officials and the media.
Insisting that “there was no sign of intimidation or duress” as claimed by the Returning officer, the group said; “We are writing this letter to protest the decision of INEC to withheld the certificate of return of the Executive Govornor 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.”
The group further stated in their letter thus; “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 urged INEC to reconsider its decision as the continuous withholding of Governor Okorocha’s certificate of return has the tendency of fueling political tension in the state.
Addressing the protesters, an Assistant Director in the Commission, Kelechi Madumene, lauded them for conducting a ‘peaceful’ demonstration.
Acknowledging that the matter is already before a court of competent jurisdiction, Mr Madumene maintained that it would therefore be subjudiced to comment on the matter.
The official however assured the protesters that INEC will always act rightly in accordance with the nation’s electoral laws.
Governor Okorocha had contested and emerged winner of the Imo North senatorial elections conducted on February 23, 2019.
However, the Returning Officer complicated matters for Governor Okorocha with claims that he made the result’s declaration under duress.
On the strength of this allegation by the Returning Officer, the electoral umpire held back the Certificate, maintaining that “INEC only issue certificate to people who genuinely won elections.” – With NAN reports
