The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ordered that the winner of December 3rd 2011 Kogi state governorship election, Captain Idris Wada of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) be sworn in immediately.
The Supreme Court had on Friday, in its judgement sacked five governors, whose tenure ended on May 28, 2011 and directed that they should hand over to the Speakers of their respective states.
But a statement dated January 30, 2012 and signed by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega has proved otherwise.
The statement reads:
It will be recalled that the Supreme Court on Friday, January 27, 2011 delivered a judgement tht the tenure of five governors to wit: Adamawa, Bayelsa, Cross River, Kogi and Sokoto states expired on the 28th day of May 2011. This Commission having carefully studied the judgement and after due consultation with its legal team has decided as follows:
- That the Kogi state governorship election which took place on December 3rd 2011 is a concluded election and therefore, the governor-elect should be sworn in immediately.
2. The dates for the remaining governorship election are as follows:
a. Adamawa, Saturday, February 4th 2012
b. Bayelsa, Saturday, February 11th 2012
c. Sokoto, Saturday, February 18th 2012
d. Cross River on Saturday, February 25th 2012.
This decision have been taken after careful consideration of the logistics, operational and administrative requirements to ensure, free, fair and credible elections.
3. The Commission wishes to categorically states that ONLY candidates who emerged after the Court of Appeal judgement of Friday, April 15th 2011 are the recognized candidates for the elections.
