PDP tasks reinstated Ekiti SIEC chairman, members on LG polls

By Lere Olayinka

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southwest has urged the reinstated chairman and members of the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC) to begin preparations for the conduct of local government elections in the State saying; "with the reinstatement of the sacked EKSIEC members, the coast is now clear for the return of democratic governance into the councils as against the illegal caretaker committees running the councils now."

A High Court in Ado-Ekiti had on Thursday ordered the immediate reinstatement of the chairman and members of the EKSIEC that were sacked on October 22, 2010 by the State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

The court presided over by Justice John Adeyeye declared that Governor Fayemi acted ultra-vires his powers by sacking the commission members via radio announcements.

Reacting to the judgment, the PDP in a release signed by the Zonal Publicity Secretary, Hon. Kayode Babade said Justice Adeyeye and the entire judiciary in Ekiti State deserve kudos for "standing against Fayemi's tyranny and upholding the truth and the rule of law."

Babade, who said the judiciary had by the judgment given hope to Ekiti people, noted that; "it is commendable and heart gladdening that the judge was courageous enough to demolish one of the houses of lawlessness built by Fayemi."

"With this judgment, the next stage should be for the reinstated Commission members to tell Ekiti people when local council elections will be conducted and that should be done without further delay.

"This will be in line with Section 7 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and the House of Representatives resolution Local Councils caretaker committees illegal," Babade said.

While berating Fayemi for foisting illegalities on the State, the PDP said; "Nigerians should be put on notice on the series of illegalities going on in Ekiti State under the Fayemi-led Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) government.

"Statutory commissions and boards have been dissolved and court judgments reinstating them are not being obeyed. Even the judgment dissolving the EKSIEC constituted by Fayemi is not being obeyed.

"Yet, Fayemi goes about preaching rule of law and democracy."