In a resounding victory at the Court of Appeal, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, Governor of Abia State, dedicated the triumph to the people of Abia. He characterized the judgment as not only sound but also a bold affirmation of the unanimous decision expressed by the Abia people at the polls and the prior verdict of the Election Tribunal in Umuahia on October 6, 2023.
The judgment, which dismissed appeals from the PDP and APC candidates, Chief Okey Ahaiwe and Chief Ikechi Emenike, respectively, drew praise from Governor Otti. He commended the justices for their depth of thought and fearlessness in upholding the legal facts amidst desperate and undemocratic attempts to seize a mandate that is both popular and, in his view, divine. The Governor assured Abians that this victory significantly strengthens the resolve of his government to serve them diligently.
In expressing his gratitude, Governor Otti emphasized, “The thoughtfulness, fearlessness, and unblemished erudition of the learned justices, as captured in the judgment, spoke eloquently of their determination to deepen our democracy, which holds the majority wishes of the people as its foundation.”
Despite the overwhelming victory at the polls and the robust legal defense presented by his team, Governor Otti acknowledged being moved by the unprecedented show of love, support, and solidarity from the people. He sees these gestures as a direct reflection of the people’s appreciation for the achievements his administration has made across various sectors of the economy. This outpouring of support further strengthens his commitment to serving the people with greater zeal, passion, and dedication.
Governor Otti took the opportunity to call on his opponents to abandon any ungodly and futile attempts to overturn the people’s mandate. Instead, he urged them to accept the judgment with humility, sobriety, and equanimity. The Governor extended an olive branch, inviting his political adversaries to join hands in working for the development of the state. Emphasizing that he won the election convincingly, he assured all Abians that his focus remains on the overall well-being of the state, transcending party differences.
This Court of Appeal victory, according to Governor Otti, not only validates the trust bestowed upon him by the Abia people but also reinforces his administration’s commitment to upholding democratic principles. He sees the judgment as a testament to the resilience of the democratic process and a reminder that the majority wishes of the people must be the cornerstone of any vibrant democracy.
As Governor Otti looks ahead, he envisions a collaborative effort with all stakeholders, irrespective of political affiliations, to propel Abia State to greater heights. With this victory serving as a catalyst, he is poised to lead with renewed vigor, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility in building a prosperous and inclusive future for all Abians.