Immediate past Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha has been denied accreditation as Senator-elect at the National Assembly complex, Abuja.
Igbere TV NASS correspondent reports that the controversial Imo politician arrived the three arms zone at about 7:45.am ahead of the today’s inauguration and election of principal officers of both legislative chamber.
He was however denied accreditation by National Assembly management led by the Clerk.
The reason behind the development is not clear, our correspondent, however, learnt it may not be unconnected with the Court cases involving the former governor.
Igbere TV recalls that Okorocha, who was declared winner of the Imo West Senatorial District, was denied Certificate of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
But a Federal High Court in Abuja last week ordered that Okorocha be given his return certificate.
However, checks by Igbere TV on Tuesday morning showed that INEC is yet to comply with the court ruling.
When contacted, INEC National Commissioner on Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye told Igbere TV that the commission is awaiting a pending court case before taking a decision.
He reminded Igbere TV that a High Court in Imo had restrained the commission from issuing Okorocha with a certificate, saying all parties involved were asked to maintain status quo.
“However, INEC reminded the court that while it ruled that Okorocha’s Certificate of Return be issued to him, the hearing of the case is still on and adjourned till June 26 at the State High Court.
“The Commission has been served with the order of a High Court in Imo State, presided over by Hon. Justice Njemanze, directing the Commission not to issue a Certificate of Return to any of the candidates that contested the Imo West Senatorial District election. The Order from the High Court of Imo State was issued on 23rd May 2019 and the suit has been further adjourned to 26th June 2019”, he said.
With the latest development, Okorocha won’t be able to attend today’s inauguration, nor will he be able to vote for any candidate.
