Federal High Court In Lokoja Reverses Decision, Allows INEC To Proceed With Recall Petition Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Breaking: Federal High Court in Lokoja Lifts Restrictions on INEC's Role in Recall Process

Here’s the latest twist in the ongoing legal saga surrounding the recall petition against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. A Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, has just overturned its previous ruling that stopped the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting the petition initiated by constituents of the Kogi Central Senatorial District. This is a major development in the case and could shift the dynamics of the recall process significantly.

Court Upholds Constitutionality of Recall Process

In a landmark judgment delivered on Friday, the court made it crystal clear that the recall process is not only valid but also aligns perfectly with the constitutional rights of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents. The court’s decision sends a strong message about the importance of civic engagement and ensures that the democratic process remains intact. This ruling is a win for the people of Kogi Central, who have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the senator’s performance.

Let’s break it down a bit further. The court didn’t just stop at reversing the previous decision; it went the extra mile to encourage the constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District to keep exercising their democratic rights. But here’s the catch—it emphasized the need for this exercise to be done in a peaceful and orderly manner. This is a nod to maintaining law and order while allowing the democratic process to thrive.

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From Injunction to Reversal: The Journey So Far

Just a day earlier, on Thursday, the same court had issued an interim injunction. This injunction effectively stopped INEC, its staff, agents, and associates, from even touching the petition containing signatures from the constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District. The court also put the brakes on any referendum by INEC that aimed to kickstart the recall process of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan until the Motion on Notice was fully resolved.

Now, you might be wondering how this injunction came about in the first place. Well, it all started with an Ex-parte application filed by Anebe Jacob Ogirima, alongside four other registered voters and constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District. The application was backed by an affidavit that claimed extreme urgency. The plaintiffs were essentially asking the court to prevent INEC from acting on any petition aimed at recalling Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan until the matter was fully debated and resolved in court.

The legal team behind this motion was led by Smart Nwachimere, Esq., from the law firm West-Idahosa and Co. They co-signed the court processes to support the motion, ensuring that the legal proceedings were handled with utmost seriousness and professionalism.

Growing Momentum in the Recall Process

The reversal of the injunction has breathed new life into the recall process. The constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District have been expressing their dissatisfaction with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s performance for some time now. This latest court decision gives them the green light to move forward with their efforts to initiate the recall. It’s a testament to the power of the people when they come together to demand accountability from their elected officials.

With the injunction now lifted, INEC is free to proceed with the petition and take further actions related to the recall. This is a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battle, and it’s going to be fascinating to see how things unfold from here. The court’s decision not only reaffirms the validity of the recall process but also underscores the importance of civic participation in shaping our democracy.