Against all odds, INEC finally issues certificate of return to Okorocha

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday issued a certificate of return to former Governor Rochas Okorocha, as Senator representing Imo West Senatorial district.

INEC, after a management meeting,  obeyed an order by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja and presented Okorocha his certificate of return as Senator-elect, Imo West Senatorial District.

This followed months of refusal by the commission to issue Okorocha a certificate over allegations by its returning officer, that he declared the results under duress.

According to INEC; The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) met today, 11 June 2019 and considered 14 Memoranda involving judgments and Orders in pre-election matters relating to the issuance of certificates and or withdrawal of certificates already issued in pre-election matters.

Amongst the Memoranda considered is that concerning the judgment on the Imo West Senatorial District by the Federal High Court, Abuja. The commission decided to; comply with the Court judgment by issuing a Certificate of Return to the plaintiff, Rochas Anayo Ethelbert Okorocha in compliance with the judgment and Orders of Hon Justice O.E Abang.

Acknowledging the receipt, Okorocha thanked INEC and said that the issuance of the certificate confirms that the allegation of duress was unfounded.

“I have just been invited that my certificate is ready and I have just come to collect it. I take it to be Gods time and Ive always believed that justice delayed, is justice denied.

“I also want to thank INEC for taking this bold step against all odds by issuing my certificate of return which goes a long way to confirm that the allegation of duress was unfounded”, he said.