INEC, FGN Face N77b Compensation Claim From E-Voting Innovators
- Nigeria's federal government and the Independent National Electoral Commission are facing a lawsuit
- The court against the FG case was filed by Dr Adah Edache Obekpa and Renaissance Network Africa (RNA)
- According to reports, the case is over alleged suppression of their contributions to the introduction of electronic voting (E-voting) in the country
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ click on “Recommended for you” and enjoy!
Dr Adah Edache Obekpa and Renaissance Network Africa (RNA) have filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) over alleged suppression of their contributions to the introduction of electronic voting (E-voting) in Nigeria.
In a statement made available to Legit.ng, Dr Obekpa, a US-based medical professional, and RNA, an organisation working for the unification of Africa and its Diaspora through trade, tourism, and innovative endeavours, claim to have proposed the E-voting system to INEC in 2010 and presented the "Renaissance I-voting Proposal for INEC" to Prof Mahmud Jega on behalf of INEC in October 2010.
Source: UGC
The statement read in part:
"Our clients, Dr. Adah Edache Obekpa and Renaissance Network Africa (RNA), firmly believe in the rights of creators to benefit from and be recognised for their innovative contributions," a statement issued on Sunday, April 2, 2023 by the innovator's lawyers, Jonathan Akeme, said.
PAY ATTENTION: Share your outstanding story with our editors! Please reach us through info@corp.legit.ng!
"They view INEC's actions in circumventing their pioneering I-voting proposal as a violation of these fundamental rights.
"Our legal action seeks to protect not only our clients' interests but also to uphold the principles of transparency, justice, and fair recognition for inventors and innovators. It is our belief that these values must be honored and defended in this matter."
According to Dr Obekpa and RNA, the I-voting proposal for INEC is the same in contents, features, design, and operation as the Biometric Verification System (BIVAS) tech device and INEC online result viewing portal (IReV).
Read also
2023 election: Centre warns politicians against blackmailing INEC, praises Professor Yakubu
The plaintiffs allege that INEC jettisoned the system protocol's transparency features, including using another iPhone as a hidden camera discreetly placed in the polling booth where the ballot box resides.
Dr Obekpa and RNA are aggrieved that they have neither received any credit from INEC nor been recognised by the FGN for being the first to introduce the E-voting system to the commission as far back as 2010.
Dr Obekpa and RNA have accordingly approached the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court (FHC) for redress in Suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/391/2023 now before Justice I. E. Ekwo of Court No. 7.
INEC and the FGN are yet to respond to the allegations levelled against them by Dr Obekpa and RNA.
Bola Tinubu's victory: Top Nigerian lawyer speaks on way forward for Peter Obi, Atiku
Reacting to court case filed by Atiku and Obi challenging Tinubu's victory, a member of the National Executive Council of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), who doubles as the NBA secretary, Bukuru branch in Plateau state, Barrister A.D. Rotimi George Esq., in a chat with Legit.ng on Saturday, April 1st, 2023, revealed what president-elect Bola Tinubu might likely face at the presidential election Tribunal.
He said:
"In every election, there are bound to be winners and losers. The 2023 general elections; particularly with respect to the presidential poll cannot be an exception.
"Primarily; the election was contested and duly fought for by the trio of Peter Obi of Labour Party (LP); Atiku Abubakar of (PDP) and Bola Ahmed Tinubu of (APC). INEC; the electoral umpire, declared Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the winner."
Source: Legit.ng
