Former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP), has broken silence on the Supreme Court reaffirmation
of Hope Uzodinma as the duly elected governor.
The apex court, last Tuesday, dismissed Ihedioha’s
application which urged it to review its judgment in favour Uzodinma.
Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who read the judgment said the
application lacked merit.
However, Justice Sentus Nweze one of the members of the
7-man panel, differed.
He declared that the ruling will continue to haunt the legal
jurisprudence of the apex court on issue of its status of finality.
In statement on Sunday, Ihedioha said the verdict was not
the expected outcome and that the good governance Imo people desired has been
halted.
“I, therefore, feel a sense of pride and gratitude for the
wonderful energy and commitment that we deployed together to secure the mandate
that has now been brazenly stolen from us.
“Permit me to use this opportunity to thank all those who
played one role or another in this historic quest for justice and truth. I must
thank members of the diplomatic community for voicing their concerns for the
stability of our country. I commend the Chairman and Members of the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) for their vanguard role and leadership during this
period.
“In particular, my special thanks go to all Imo citizens for
their uncommon support, solidarity, and collective outrage. Never have a people
been so united and committed to a cause. You prayed, fasted, marched, protested
and even cried. You sacrificed your time, resources, and endeavour for this
just cause.
“On this matter, the people of Imo State collectively rose
to demand for justice and fairness. Imo people rose up in defence of their right
to elect leaders of their choice. Our people resoundingly rejected oppression
and power grab, defied imposition, injustice and tyranny. I salute Imo people
for this display of courage in the face of oppressive state power.
“I will forever be in the debt of Nigerians of all walks of
life, across ethnic, religious and political divides, senior citizens,
journalists, civil societies, ordinary men and women of good conscience, who
added their voice to condemn the injustice done in our case. These are people unknown
to me personally but who could not bear the illogic of turning number four to
number one on the basis of a fraudulently procured result, and appealed to the
Supreme Court to save itself and our judiciary.
“Whatever may be the personal injury I suffer as a result of
the miscarriage of justice, my main concern in this whole tragic episode is not
about me. It has always been about the implications this judgement could have
for the future of our democracy and the right of the electorate to have their votes
count.
“If institutions that are critical to the entrenchment of
rule of law could thwart the wishes of the people in a cynical manner, where
lies the future of our democracy? That was why I sought a review of the Supreme
Court judgement. Even though justice was not served at the end, the well
articulated dissenting judgement delivered by His Lordship, Justice Centus
Nweze, has vindicated our stand. I am sure that history and posterity will be
kind to him.
“To those who are rejoicing about their successful political
fraud at the expense of Imo people, as well as their collaborators, let me
leave them with the immortal words of the late journalist, Dele Giwa: “No evil
deed will go unpunished; any evil done by man to man will be redressed; if not
now then certainly later; if not by man, then by God for the victory of evil
over good is temporary’. We believe that God will render the ultimate judgment.
He has been with us through this peaceful struggle. And our future is in His
hands.
“In conclusion, I wish to express my appreciation to members
of our legal team who pushed the frontiers of electoral jurisprudence to
advance our constitutional democracy. I wish also to thank my team of committed
colleagues who served in various capacities during our administration. It has
been a great privilege to serve the people of Imo State as Governor.
“I am proud to have been the recipient of their genuine
mandate. I will forever cherish the support, solidarity and cooperation given
to me during my tenure. My belief in the ultimate triumph and supremacy of the
will of the people remains intact. I pray God to bless and reward all those who
stood firm on the path of justice and fair play.”
Ihedioha said he had accepted his removal as part of trials
and difficulties of life and has become wiser and more sympathetic to the
plights of others in similar circumstances.
He vowed never to give up on the struggle for a better Imo
State. And for a better governed Nigeria.
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