Defections: ‘Your Allegations Misplaced’, INEC Replies Gov Fubara

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has responded to the statement credited to the governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, in which the Commission was accused of selective implementation of elections to fill vacancies arising from the defection of serving members of the National and State Assemblies from one political party to another.

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, on Friday, said while no specific instances of the alleged selective action were mentioned, Fubara’s statement specifically accused the Electoral Commission of deliberate failure to fill the vacancies resulting from the protracted crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly where two factions are jostling for control of the State Legislature.

INEC, which described Governor Fubara’s allegation as misplaced, said it couldn’t have taken any action on matter pending in court.

“In the midst of the crisis, three or so lawmakers have declared the seats of 27 members vacant and vice versa.

“While the Commission is aware of the situation in the Rivers State House of Assembly, the matter is pending in court and, therefore, subjudice.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission has been joined in several suits filed by litigants at various courts, including the Supreme Court.

“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.

“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 pendancy of cases in court,” Oyekanmi stated.