– The prosecution is as a result of the case of double registration
– According to INEC, the case will be reopened after Bello leaves office
Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello will still be prosecuted, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said.
The commission said it has not abandoned the criminal case of double registration against the governor.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman Voters Education and Information Committee, Festus Okoye, said the Kogi governor is currently shielded by the immunity clause which protects him against any form of prosecution.
He disclosed that the issue of the double registration will be reopened at the expiration of the governor’s immunity at the end of his tenure of office.
Recall that three INEC staff were indicted in the case of governor’s double registration. At the end of the investigations, two of the officials dismissed, while an Assistant Director among them was suspended.
According to Okoye, “the case of double registration against the Kogi State governor has not been abandoned but there is nothing the Commission can do now because he is still under immunity. But by the time the immunity expires, the Commission will meet and take a decision on the next line of action.
“We started with our Staff who were implicated in the double registration first, while we have to wait until the governor ceases to enjoy immunity, which protects him against prosecution”.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that Bello assured the people of Tawari community that his administration would do everything to stand by them and ensure immediate assistance for the victims of the recent attack in the area.
Unknown gunmen on Thursday, January 2 attacked the community in Kogi local government area of Kogi state at night, burning buildings, including the palace of the king of the community.