Verdict On Adamawa Election ‘Opens A New Vista’ –YIAGA

A civil society organisation, Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth & Advancement (YIAGA) has observed that the court ruling sacking the acting governor as well as stopping the bye election in Adamawa State “opens a new vista in our electoral jurisprudence.”
The group which has been accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to observe the October 11, 2014 elections in Adamawa state said, in a statement signed by Segun Emmanuel ,head of YIAGA election observation mission in Adamawa and Itodo Samson,head of research, policy & advocacy, it “strongly believes that the decision of the Honorable court opens a new vista in our electoral jurisprudence. As a country practising constitutional democracy, we enjoin all parties to obey the rule of law and comply with decision of the Federal High Court. Any attempt to disrespect the decision of the court is antithetical to democratic principles and negates the principles of constitutionalism.”
YIAGA noted that ,“The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja this morning delivered a judgment nullifying the purported resignation of the former Governor of Adamawa state, Barr. Bala Ngilari. His Lordship, Justice Niyi Adeniyi ordered the immediate swearing in of Mr. Bala Ngilari as the Governor of Adamawa state. Professor Attahiru Jega confirmed service of court processes on the Commission during the suspended Stakeholders meeting which held in Muna Hotel, Yola, Adamawa state.
It however urged INEC to issue a statement on its position with regards to the election. “We commend the electoral commission for the steps taken so far on the preparations for the elections. …YIAGA enjoins the Independent National Electoral Commission to urgently issue a public statement on the cancellation or otherwise of the October 11 bye election”,YIAGA said.