Francis Ejiroghene Waive, the sacked member of the Federal house of representatives representing Ughelli and Udu federal constituency has reacted to the tribunal judgment.
He said he had given instructions to his lawyers to file appeal against the judgment. He said the non-publication of his qualifications in INEC portal, the ground for his disqualification was not his making but that he submitted his documents to the electoral umpire.
TRIBUNAL JUDGEMENT
Today the 11th of Sept 2023, the National Assembly Elections Tribunal Asaba ruled (in layman’s language) that the non publication of my educational qualifications in INEC portal is ground to disqualify me and declare the loser of the election the winner.
Let me state clearly like I did before the Tribunal with documented evidence that I did submit all required documents including my qualifications as required by INEC. The non publication of same on the INEC portal is definitely not my making or within my power to effect. And I did write INEC on this.
Very importantly however, the non publication by INEC is not known to our laws as a ground for disqualification of a candidate.
Consequently I have instructed my lawyers to appeal the judgement.
I call on our people to remain calm and law abiding as we continue in the struggle to make our country a better place to live in.
Signed
Rt Rev (Hon) Francis Ejiroghene Waive (MHR)
Honorable member representing the entire people of Ughelli North Ughelli South Udu Federal Constituency
House of Representatives
