Chief Emeka
Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) on Wednesday broke his silence on Tuesday’s Supreme Court judgment that
sacked him as Imo State governor.
He described
the development, which left many surprised and
shocked, as unfair and unjust.
Ihedioha
added that the facts on the ground, legal precedence and clear verdict of Imo
People on March 9 2019, that returned him as governor “with the highest valid
votes of 273,404” were not put into consideration by the apex court in its
verdict.
But, he said
as democrat and believer in the rule of law, he had accepted the judgment,
although, it did not reflect the voting that took place during the governorship
election in the state.
In a
statement personally signed by him, Ihedioha, who is a former Deputy Speaker of
the House of Representatives, said he had accepted his fate as an act of God.
He
consequently directed all members of the state executive council and political
appointees to return all public
properties in their custody to the government.
The
statement reads in part: ”No doubt,
yesterday’s (Tuesday) Supreme Court verdict
came to us as a rude shock and surprise, considering the facts on the ground, legal precedence and clear verdict of
Imo People on March 9 2019, that returned me as governor with the highest valid
votes of 273,404.
“I do not
agree with the judgment of the Supreme Court. I think it is unfair, unjust and
does not reflect the voting that took place during the elections.
“It also
didn’t take care of the sensibilities of the people of Imo State. But, as true
democrats, Engr Gerald Irona and I, have no option but to respect the outcome
of that judgment.
“Consequently,
we have put machinery in motion to hand-over the reins of office to the APC
candidate as the next governor of Imo State. This will be coordinated by the
Secretary to the State Government.
“I,
therefore, direct all members of Imo State Expanded Executive Council, and all
political appointees to write their handing-over notes and to return all
government properties in their custody, forthwith. I shall not be party to
pilfering of government property or funds.
“May we use
this opportunity to express our gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve,
within the short period he granted us. We sincerely appreciate you for all your
solidarity and goodwill. We made our mark.
“Rebuilding
our dear state is neither easy nor personal, but a task undertaken for our
today and tomorrow.
“I thank you
all for your support, which saw us achieve so much and reversed the negative
trajectory of Imo State within a space of seven months.
“It is
significant to note that Imo State was looking good again. We were declared the
least corrupt state in the country, the fastest state growing economy in
Nigeria and the most improved, in terms of the deployment of Information Technology
in service delivery.
“Our
infrastructure was significantly coming to life, civil servants and pensioners
were now being paid as and when due and optimism returned to Imo State. It is
on record that we were acclaimed as the most sports and diaspora friendly
state.
“Most
importantly, we returned life and activities to our local governments. Yes, we
had good plans to make Imo the centre piece of commerce, industry, technology,
tourism by providing good leadership and first class infrastructure. Under our
watch, Imo became safe with our systematic approach to securing lives and
property.
“All these
were made possible by your prayers, support and sacrifices.”
Thenationnews
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