Gov. Reiterates Voters’ Confidence In Judiciary

Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi, has reiterated that the nation’s voters still had confidence in the judiciary, due to its unbiased decisions on electoral matters.

Elechi made the disclosure on Sunday in Abakaliki while reacting to the affirmation of his mandate at the April 2011 gubernatorial election in the state on Saturday by the Court of Appeal, sitting in Enugu.

The court, presided over by Justice Amina Okuwomi, affirmed the Electoral Petitions Tribunal’s judgment that the petition of the ANPP candidate, Sen. Julius Ucha; lacked merit.

The court, however, ordered for re-run elections within 90 days, for the House of Assembly seats for Ezza South, Ohaukwu North and Ishiellu North State Constituencies.

The seats were all won by candidates of the PDP.

Elechi who flew into the state late on Saturday from Abuja, said that the affirmation of his mandate showed that Ebonyi people massively voted for him during the election.

“The people were pleased with my noble efforts to develop the state during my first term in office, as it made them come out en masse to exercise their franchise on election day.

“I call politicians to always respect the electorate’s wishes during elections, as power is given by God and belongs to the people.”

The governor called on the people to see the victory as means of re-committing themselves for peaceful co-existence, to rapidly develop the state.

“We should all come together to ensure that we get rid of miscreants who perpetrate violence in the state, to achieve the dreams of our founding fathers.

“These people who lost at the polls, tribunal and now the Appeal Court, use violence to show how frustrated they are but must be checked through our collective efforts.”

He thanked the party faithful for the unflinching support given to him and the party and assured that their efforts would always be appreciated.

“We appreciate the fact that most of you went to the tribunal and the Appeal Court on empty stomach, all in an unparalleled show of solidarity to the party’s cause.”

Elechi assured them that the party would strategise effectively to ensure it reclaimed the House of Assembly seats that would be re-contested as ordered by the Appeal Court.

Chief Ugorji Amah-Otti, PDP Chairman in the state, commended the Appeal Court for the judgment, noting that it was a justification of the people’s wishes.

Chief Emerke Orji, ANPP Chairman in the state, vowed that the party would seek redress against the judgment at the Supreme Court.