FREEPRESS – A high court sitting in Imo state has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to issue a certificate of return to Rochas Okorocha as senator-elect for Imo west senatorial district.
The judge, Ngozi Ukoha, ruled that INEC should hold Okorocha’s certificate pending the determination of the motion on notice challenging the victory of Okorocha filed by Osita Izunaso of the All Progressives Grand Alliances.
Izunaso had filed a motion seeking an order staying proceedings at the Federal High Court pending the determination of the appeal
The high court judgement is coming few days after a federal high court ordered INEC to issue Okorocha a certificate of return.
The judge, Justice Okon Abang, ruled that the having been declared by the returning officer as the winner of the February 23 senatorial poll for Imo West Senatorial District, INEC has no reason not to issue Okorocha certificate of return.
INEC said it refused to acknowledge his victory because the returning officer was made to announce the result under duress.
Okorocha on Tuesday was denied entry to the National Assembly Complex during inauguration and election of principal officers of Nigeria’s legislative arm of government.
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