Support groups in Imo State have expressed delight following the ruling of the Federal High Court Abuja, which reaffirmed the election of Hope Uzodimma as governor of the state.
Members of Hope Rising for Imolites, one of the groups, took to the streets of Owerri, the state capital, yesterday, to celebrate the ruling. They congratulated Uzodimma, describing the victory as a reconfirmation of his divine mandate.
National leader of the group, Success Akagburuonye, told reporters in Owerri: “The outcome of the legal exercise would further energise our commitment to support the governor to succeed.”
According to him, “the fact that Governor Hope Uzodimma has been able to surmount all the odds and challenges before he goes to prove that God is with him. He is here on a divine mandate and we are confident he will succeed.
“So, what every well-meaning Imo citizen owes him (Uzodimma) is to offer his or her support and cooperation to enable him to achieve his laudable vision and programmes in the overall interest of the state.”
Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja had on Monday dismissed an application filed by one Mcfyne Chikwendu, seeking to nullify the election of Uzodimma and his deputy, Prof. Placid Njoku, and declare the governor’s seat vacant.
Taiwo said the Supreme Court had affirmed Uzodimma’s election and that his court was not an election tribunal to sit in appeal over elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Responding to questions on the delay by Uzodimma in reconstituting his cabinet, three months after it was dissolved, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, said the governor was taking his time with a view to appointing credible hands.
The governor had dissolved his cabinet, sacking 20 out of 28 commissioners.
Speaking on the radio in Owerri, Emelumba said the governor was working tactically. He urged Imo people to have patience.
According to him, “the governor is focused and cannot be pushed by the opposition to make any mistake. People should be patient.”
On the aides that were sacked, the commissioner said Uzodimma directed the Secretary to the State Government to issue letters reappointing some aides, including the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Nze Chinasa Nwaneri and Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser, Oguwike Nwachuku.
He said the government would soon conclude the remaining appointments.
THE GUARDIAN NEWS
