By LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

ABUJA — Ten members of the National Assembly from Katsina State, whose sack from the National Assembly was voided by the Appeal Court in Abuja, have appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the National Assembly to allow them regain their seats.

It will be recalled that the members, made up of two senators and eight representatives, were removed in January 2012 on the ground that they were not validly nominated by their political party, the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, during primaries.

They were replaced by members alleged to be loyal to the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Aminu Masari, who himself vied for governorship position in Katsina State but lost.

The members are Senator Abdu Yandoma, Senator Ahmed Stores, Abba Sada, Muntari Dandutse, Aminu Mani, Murtala Isa, Musa Salisu, Abdu Dankama, Tasiu Doguru and Umar K.

The lawmakers headed for the high court and on January 13, 2013, got judgment in their favour, saying that INEC and the National Assembly erred in withdrawing their certificates.

Speaking to newsmen, weekend, Mr. Sada said now that the Appeal Court had upheld their election, INEC and the National Assembly should allow them reoccupy their seats.

He said that the judgment had confirmed their earlier victory at the Federal High Court, which validated their elections in 2011.

Sada said: “We expect total compliance because there are now two court judgments saying the same thing. We expect the National Assembly, being the highest lawmaking body, to have respect for court ruling.

“They make the laws and the court interprets these laws. If the law you make is being interpreted, it is only good and fair that you comply and show respect for it.

“Our seats were taken over illegally because the certificates they issued to the others were not backed by any consequential order whatsoever.”