Abia State Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu has said that the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal judgement revalidating the election of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s victory was a confirmation that the people duly elected him in the March 9, 2019, election.
Gov. Ikpeazu’s victory was challenged by All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Dr. Alex Otti seeking the cancellation of the result of the election in 15 LGAs, while upholding the results in Arochukwu and Aba South LGAs where he was declared the winner.
But the Tribunal in its ruling said the petitioner failed to prove allegations of non compliance to the Electoral Act and that of over voting in areas won by the governor and therefore dismissed the petition for lacking merit.
Speaking with newsmen in an interview shortly after the Judgement, the information Commissioner who congratulated the Governor on his victory at the tribunal said it was an affirmation of the people’s preference for Governor Ikpeazu as their Governor.
Okiyi Kalu disclosed that the Governor has continued to enjoy the support of the people with his provision of infrastructural development which include construction of over 60 roads across the state since 2015 and assured Abians that every area of the state would be developed.
The Commissioner further assured of the Governor’s preparedness to work with those who supported him and those who did not, stressing that Ikpeazu understands the divine nature of his mandate as the father of all Abians.
He therefore called on the people of the state as well as the Governor’s opponents in the election to join hands with him to develop the state.
Also speaking, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the governor, Chief Ukpai Agwu Ukpai expressed his profound happiness on the governor’s victory against Otti and described the victory as divine and pointed out that it will now allow the Governor to concentrate on delivering on his campaign promises to Abians.
Also reacting, a retired Permanent Secretary and former Director of Finance, Government House, Chief Romanus Madu described the judgement as a bold step taken by the judges to stand by the truth.
While congratulating the Governor for the victory, he urged his opponents to heed to the clarion call of the Governor for a complimentary and joint efforts from all in the task of developing the state.
