Edo State Independent Electoral Commission says the attention of the Commission has been drawn to an ex parte order of the Edo State High Court restraining the Commission from conducting the scheduled by-election into vacant Local Government Council seats.
Chairman of EDSIEC, Sir Jonathan Aifuobhokhan in a statement however notes as a law-abiding institution, EDSIEC acknowledges the authority of the courts in the administration of justice.
The statement observes that the Commission has found out that the said order was granted without affording EDSIEC an opportunity to be heard, even though the order directly restrains it from performing its constitutional and statutory duties.
EDSIEC says in line with its mandate under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission Law, it has taken immediate steps through its legal representatives to file a Motion on Notice seeking to discharge the ex parte order and ensure an accelerated hearing of the substantive suit.
The statement says EDSIEC consequently wishes to assure the people of Edo State that it remains committed to conducting free, fair, and credible elections in line with democratic principles and the rule of law.
The Commission assured that the current legal challenge will be addressed through the judicial process, with due respect to the courts while it will continue to protect the democratic rights of Edo citizens to elect their Local Government representatives without undue delay or disruption.
The Commission therefore urged the general public, political stakeholders, and the electorate to remain calm and law-abiding while the legal process runs its course.
