Tribunal Ruling: Ebonyi Governor, Nwifuru, Calls On Political Opponents To Join Hands To Build The State

By Akinwale Kasali

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has extended an olive branch to his opponents at the March 18, 2023 Governorship Election in the State, urging them to join him in building the State.

The Governor made this call following the ruling by the Ebonyi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal which validated his victory at the poll.

He said that rather than appeal the Tribunal ruling, they should join hands with him in uplifting, developing and building the State. He stressed that any other litigation will be a distraction to the Government and economic growth of the State.

The petitions were filed at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja, by the candidates of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Professor Bernard Odoh, and that of People’s Democratic Party , PDP, Ifeanyi Odii against the Governor’s victory.

The Governor explained that Odoh and Odii knew very well that they lost at the poll but chose to file petitions against him.

He said that he had no problem against anyone who challenged his victory at the poll and called on them to bring their ideas on how to transform the state.

“I believe that it is God that gives power. He has prepared me for the job. If I say that I was disturbed by the petitions against me by my opponents, that means that I am lying because there are dividends of democracy that we have provided in the state.

“Why should I be distracted when people are seeking to distract me and I know that they are seeking to distract me?

“I know that they didn’t mean business abinitio because if you mean business, I will know and you must go with facts.

“Litigation is all about facts. So, I am not distracted at all because I am doing the business of governance very well and our people are happy”.

Nwifuru said governance requires experience and he has acquired the experience which makes him unique among those who contested the governorship election.

He called on Odii to use his wealth and develop the people of the State rather than wasting it in vain.

The Governor maintained that the opposition parties will still fail if they appeal the judgment of the Tribunal because they have no evidence to prove their cases.

Celebrating her Husband’s victory at the Tribunal Ruling, Uzoamaka Nwifuru, Wife of the Governor   congratulated him and the Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Obila, on their victory.

Mrs. Nwifuru said that the victory affirms the support and trust of the good people of Ebonyi State towards the Governor and the credibility of the 2023 Governorship election in Ebonyi State.

“I extend my warmest congratulations to you, my dear husband, His Excellency, Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, on your recent election petition victory. This is a significant milestone, and I am delighted to join the countless others in celebrating your success”.

She extolled the Governor’s  commitment to the people of Ebonyi, especially during the process of the election petition process, and his ability to remain focused on delivering the mandate of the people of Ebonyi state. She further stated that she does not doubt that the Governor’s administration will continue to make significant strides in driving positive change and progress in the state

“Throughout this challenging journey, you have exhibited unwavering dedication, steadfast commitment, and the highest level of statesmanship. Your ability to navigate the complexities of the electoral process while maintaining a focus on the well-being of our state is truly commendable”.

“As you continue your tenure, may your leadership continue to be marked by transparency, inclusivity, and a steadfast commitment to the welfare of all our citizens. Your vision for our state is inspiring”.