The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue certificates of return to Iduma Igariwe and Fred Udogwu as governor and deputy governor of Ebonyi state, respectively following the Federal High Court Abuja’s refusal to grant stay of execution to sacked governor David Umahi.
Recall that Federal High Court refused to grant Stay of Execution to the former Governor David Nweze Umahi of Ebonyi State and his Deputy, Kelechi Igwe over their removal from office by the Court.
The PDP on Monday told INEC to invoke the provisions of Section 287(3) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and issue their replacement with certificates of return.
“INEC, pursuant to the provision of Section 287(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which provides that “the decisions of the Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, a High Court and of all other courts established by this Constitution shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons, and by other courts of law with subordinate jurisdiction to that of the Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, a High Court and those other courts, respectively” is bound to issue Certificates of Return immediately to Hon. Iduma Igariwe and Fred Udogwu as Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State respectively.
“In this regard, the PDP also demands that the Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, upon the issuance of Certificates of Return by INEC proceed to swear in Hon. Iduma Igariwe and Fred Udogwu as Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State respectively,” it said.
According to the PDP, it is necessary to prevent the existence of vacuum in the government and governance of Ebonyi state with Umahi and Igwe having been sacked by the Court.
It commended the judiciary for its courage in defending the Constitution as well as the will of the people of Ebonyi State as expressed in their votes for the PDP in the 2019 governorship election.
