Certificate of Return: South East PSC Faults INEC’s Decision on Okorocha

The South-East Presidential Support Committee (PSC) sitting in Owerri the Imo state capital Friday rejected the decision of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to issue certificate of return to Governor Rochas Okorocha only by order of court.

The legal adviser of the Committee, Barrister Ejikeme Ugwu who faulted INEC said it is against the letters and spirit of the section 68 of the electoral act 2010 as amended.

“Once a returning officer makes declaration inline with the Constitution, only court sitting as tribunal can review such declaration, INEC lacks powers to do so”

Speaking further he said, section 68 (1) of the electoral act 2010 as amended the decision of the returning officer on any question arising from or relating to declaration of scores of candidates and the return of a candidate, shall be final, subject to review by a tribunal or court in an election petition proceeding under this Act.

Similarly, the director political matters of the committee comrade Maxwell Okoye call on INEC to release the certificate of Return Of governor Rochas Okorocha unconditionally, noting that the humiliation of Owelle Rochas Okorocha and many other Igbo leaders in APC is unacceptable, he said the group resolute and reject in strong terms further humiliation of Ndi Igbo in general.

On the issue of who becomes the senate president of the 9th assembly the group said, the seat be ceded to the southeast in the spirit of equity, justice and fairness.

Moreso, the group also appeal to president Muhammondu Buhari to consider Ndi Igbo for sensitive political appointment they believe this will enhance the growth of APC in the southeast and well effect the spirit of national integration.