Bauchi election: Bauchi lawyers laud INEC, call for declaration of winner

AS the collation of gubernatorial election results in Bauchi State resumes tomorrow, Tuesday, Association of Bauchi Lawyers of Conscience, (BOBSLAC) has commended INEC for the reversal of the cancellation of votes of the governorship election of Tafawa Balewa local government and the resumption of the collation and conclusion of the process calling for the declaration of the winner at the end.

According to a press statement signed and issued by the Convener and Secretary of the Association, Shipi Rabo Esq and Musa Abdullahi Esq respectively, the Association of Lawyers stated that the initial stand of the electoral body especially the cancellation of votes from Tafawa Balewa LGA was wrong and not have been founded on the applicable laws.

The statement contained that, “Although we recognise the right of stakeholders such as participating political parties like the ruling APC in the state to express their views on the issue, we shall, however, be quick to put the issues in their proper perspective.”

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It explained that, “Contrary to the position of the APC on the issue to the effect that INEC lacks the power to reverse its earlier decision on the matter, the correct view is that relevant sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and Electoral Act 2010 as amended, the Electoral body has ample powers under the Interpretation Act to take decision that will facilitate the attainment of its mandate which is delivering a credible, free and fair polls founded on the right of the electorate to choose leaders of think choice.”

“As such, it is our position that INEC acted in accordance with the dictates of the law and in the great interest of all in taking the decision in question. As a matter of fact, that is the way forward. It is the way to follow as far as Bauchi State 2019 Governorship election is concerned,” the statement reads.

The Association, however, called on citizens, especially political actors in the State to support and cooperate with INEC to successfully conclude the process and formally announce the winner so that the waiting game characterised by tension, suspense and rumours would be over.

The statement also welcomed INEC’s readiness to complete the electoral process and announce the winner, adding that “at this time when the future of the state is at stake who cannot afford to sit on the fence and watch.”