INEC moves to save 2011 polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will initiate moves to save the 2011 polls from being derailed after Justice Ibrahim Auto of the Federal High Court Abuja, on Friday, issued an order stopping the importation of the Direct Data Capture (DDC) machine for voter registration ahead of the elections.

The INEC national commissioner in charge of legal services, Philip Umeadi Jnr, said, in an interview, that although the commission is yet to be served with the restraining order, "if the commission is served, we will approach the court with a view to setting aside the order".

Auta issued the order restraining INEC from acquiring the machines while ruling in an ex parte application brought by counsel to one of the failed contractors that bidded for the machines, Bedding Holding Limited, against the commission.

Umeadi noted, “We have not been served with any court order or the court process leading to the restraining order. As soon as the service is effected on the commission, we shall study it and commence the processes of setting it aside.”

According to him, there is no cause for alarm as the commission would take appropriate measures to get the order quashed, adding that “the court is there to vindicate the just.”

By the time table released by the commission, the registration of voters is to begin on January 15 and last for two weeks.

The commission had awarded the contract for the purchase of the DDC machines to three companies in November and the companies are expected to supply the machines not later than thirty days after the award of the contract.

Source: Vanguard Nigeria