The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied reports that it halted the recall process of the Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Dino Melaye owing to blackmail by the Senate.

It was reported that the Senate’s decision to probe the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TEFUND), where the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, previously served as Executive Secretary, informed INEC’s decision to suspend its action.

But INEC, in a statement by its National Commissioner and Acting Chairman, Prof. Okechukwu Ibeanu, described the reports as totally incorrect and mischievous.

It explained that its decision to halt the process was in obedience to the order by the Federal High Court Abuja, ordering that status quo be maintained in the matter.

“Surely, the decision of the commission to obey the court order and lay a complaint about the nature of the Federal High Court order to the Chief Justice of the Federation cannot, in any way, mean a secession of the process of recall of the senator, which has already commenced.”

The commission insists that it would continue to carry out its constitutional functions with without fear or favour. (Channels TV)