•5 governorship candidates congratulate him
From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Governor Hope Uzodimma has dedicated his election victory to God and and the people of the State.
The governor in his acceptance his acceptance speech after his declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the governorship election held on Saturday has also vowed to consolidate on his achievements.
He said “Of course, I can never thank God enough for doing it again for me. He has shown that He did it four years ago and has done it again, to His honour and glory. So, I dedicate this victory to God and the good people of Imo State.
“I must confess that I am truly humbled and deeply appreciative of every single vote I received across the 27 local government areas in the state. They all contributed to giving me a clear, historic and unprecedented victory over my opponents.
Governor Uzodimma has also extended an olive branch to his fellow contestants, urging them join him to build a better State.
Also,Governor Uzodimma has affirmed that the series of endorsement by so many stakeholders in the State is a clear manifestation of the results of the election.
He said “You have made me proud indeed. It is now my turn to keep my own side of the bargain. On that note, I wish to repeat my earlier covenant with God and Imo people: “I will not let Imo people down and I will serve with utmost honesty and the fear of God. ”
“Let me be clear. Your message to me through your overwhelming endorsement is that you appreciate what I have done in office so far, and you want me to do even more. I heard you loud and clear. It is an invitation to do more and do better, and that is exactly what I will do.
“I do not take this victory lightly. I am aware of your desires and expectations. In this regard, let me reassure you that I will continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to Imo people under our 3R mantra of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery.
” I will continue to provide a transparent, accountable, and transformative leadership to Imo people. I will continue to provide an inclusive platform for all Imo people to have a say on how they are governed. These are my promises, and I believe this was why you voted for me. And I will keep them.
“In a democratic contest such as the one that held yesterday, only one person will emerge victorious. Since it has pleased God and Imo people to confer that honour and privilege on me, I congratulate and commiserate with my brothers who contested the election with me.
“They did not lose, but Imo people won. This collective victory is for the good of the people and the progress of our state. I, therefore, call on all of them to join hands with me to continue to build the Imo of our collective dreams.
Meanwhile, five governorship candidates of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) Andy Anyanbuike, Isaac Iwuanyanwu of the Booth Party (BP) Clinton Edoziem ,Allied Peoples Movement (APM) Ishiodu Uchechukwu of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and Lawrence Okwara of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) has congratulated Uzodimma and vowed to work with him.
ZLP candidate,Anyanbuike who spoke on behalf of other contestants assured Uzodimma that a committee would be set up to harmonise other agrieved candidates and ensure non of them take the battle to the tribunal.