Barr Alex Ebi Edim is the Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Nyanya- Karu branch in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In this brief press interview with our Senate Correspondent Abba -Eku Onyeka in his office on Thursday, describes the African Democratic Congress (ADC) protest at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a lawful expression of discontent. Read the excerpts.
Qtn: What is your opinion on the protest by the ADC at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in respect of delisting the Senator David Mark led National Executive Council (NEC) of the party?
Ans: The protest, in my humble but tenacious view, is a lawful expression of discontent. The right to peaceful assembly is preserved in our constitution, and the protest was civil and did not threaten the peace and security of the nation.
Qtn: Do you think the protest was a justified response to INEC’s actions?
Ans: Yes, the protest was a justified response. INEC’s decision to delist the Senator David Mark led national executive council of ADC was a provocative move that warranted a response from the party.
Qtn: What is your interpretation of the meaning of “status quo” as contained in the Court of Appeal ruling?
Ans: Status quo is a Latin word meaning “present state of affairs” or “as it is presently”. It denotes a progressive compliance or enforcement, not a retrospective one. It means that no further steps should be taken to alter the current state of affairs.
Qtn: Do you think INEC’s decision to delist the Senator David Mark led national executive council of the ADC was in line with the Court of Appeal’s ruling?
Ans: No, INEC misinterpreted the true meaning of maintaining status quo. The Court of Appeal ruling did not explicitly oust the Senator David Mark- led National Executive Council, and INEC’s decision was premature.
Qtn: Can you comment on the potential consequences of INEC’s decision to delist the Senator David Mark led national executive council of ADC?
Ans: The decision may lead to further instability within the party and could undermine the democratic process. It may also create uncertainty and confusion among party members and supporters.
Qtn: How do you think the Court will view INEC’s decision to delist the Senator David Mark led national executive council of ADC?
Ans: No comment, it’s subjudice to comment on a matter pending before a court of law
Qtn: What advice would you give to the parties involved in this dispute?
Ans: I would advise them to exercise restraint and allow the Court to make a decision on the matter. It’s essential to respect the rule of law and the democratic process.
Qtn: Do you think the Senator David Mark led national executive council of ADC has a strong case?
Ans: No comment only the court itself can determine the outcome
Qtn: How do you think this dispute will affect the party’s performance in future elections?
Ans: The dispute may affect the party’s performance in future elections if it is not resolved amicably. It may create divisions within the party and undermine its credibility.
Qtn: What role do you think the Court should play in resolving this dispute?
Ans: No comment
Qtn: Do you think INEC has overstepped its bounds in this matter?
Ans: Yes, INEC has overstepped its bounds. It should have waited for the outcome of the pending suit before taking any action.
Qtn: What are the implications of this dispute for the democratic process in Nigeria?
Ans: The dispute highlights the challenges facing Nigeria’s democratic process, particularly in relation to the regulation of political parties and the role of INEC.
Qtn: How do you think this dispute can be resolved amicably?
Ans: The dispute can be resolved amicably if the parties involved exercise restraint and allow the Court to make a decision on the matter.
