From Wilson Okereke, Afikpo
Ebonyi State Government and former lawmakers in the state have lauded the Supreme Court verdict of Friday which affirmed the election of Governor Francis Nwifuru.
They hailed the judgement of the apex court in separate statements.
Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor, in a statement in Abakaliki, said the verdict had summarily laid to rest all agitations, questions and possible objections occasioned by litigations from the opposition, arising from the March 2023 governorship election.
“We are not only satisfied that the judiciary practically demonstrated its impartial status, but impressed to note that it availed the complainants unimpeded access to the justice they sought through the processes, which today culminated into clear victory for the generality of Ebonyi people as earlier demonstrated through the ballot box.
“There is, therefore, no gainsaying the fact that the collective wish of Ebonyi people has through this judicial position prevailed, and will no doubt stand as a reference point in years to come.
“The Government of Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru which is anchored on the Divine Mandate and espoused by the Peoples’ Charter of Needs principle has not only shown readiness to accommodate all players towards achieving the noble dreams of Ebonyi founding fathers, but led in the practical disposition to mend possible fences with aggrieved persons for the good of Ebonyi people.
“We, therefore, wish to congratulate our brothers for exhausting all available channels towards ventilating their legitimate interests and urge them to get along in the onerous assignment of taking our dear state to its desired destination.
“Like we had always maintained through the judicial processes, the Supreme Court decision is victory for all who repose their confidence on Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, believing in what he can achieve for the state and humanity as governor,” the statement said.
On their part, the former lawmakers in the state described the judgment as the wishes of the electorate in the state.
Their leader, Chief Augustine Nwankwegu, a former Speaker of the state House of Assembly said: “Rt. Hon Francis Nwifuru was democratically elected by the people of Ebonyi State against some opponents who came from other political parties, those people went to court and the first tribunal said that Governor Nwifuru was properly elected and they returned him.
“They went to Court of Appeal and the Court of Appeal affirmed the decision of tribunal and they still felt aggrieved and went to the Supreme Court. And now, the Supreme Court has affirmed that election.
“This is the first time a former member of the House is elected as governor of Ebonyi State; to us, this is democracy in action.
“We have come out to defend our votes, and say that our votes have counted and will continue to count as this is just four years, and another one is going to come.”