By Christopher Eze
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a strong rebuttal to allegations made by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing the electoral body of selectively implementing elections to fill vacancies arising from political defections in the state.
The Commission, in a statement released by Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, described the allegations as misplaced and urged public officials to exercise caution in their statements to avoid misleading the public.
The controversy stems from the ongoing crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly, where two factions are vying for control. The crisis escalated when three lawmakers declared the seats of 27 members vacant, while the opposing faction reciprocated with similar declarations. Governor Fubara, in a recent statement, accused INEC of failing to act on the vacancies, suggesting that the Commission was deliberately favoring one side over the other.
INEC, however, has clarified that the matter is currently subjudice, with multiple lawsuits pending in various courts, including the Supreme Court. The Commission emphasized that it is legally bound to await judicial resolution before taking any action.
“Under the circumstances, the Commission must await the final judicial pronouncement on the matter before it embarks on a puerile exercise that may eventually amount to a nullity and a waste of public funds,” the statement read.
The electoral body also expressed concern over the potential damage such allegations could cause to public trust in institutions.
“We urge people occupying high public offices to be circumspect in their public statements before they mislead the public and cast aspersion on public institutions, particularly where they are aware of the pendency of cases in court,” INEC stated.
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