By Gideon Njoku
In his immediate reaction to his all-round victory against three formidable opponents at the Imo Governorship Election Tribunal, Governor Emeka Ihedioha waxed spiritual. He did not gloat. He was humble in victory.
“A horse is prepared for day the day of battle. But victory is of the Lord”, he said, quoting the Book of Proverbs, chapter 21, verse 31.
He, also, hailed the courage and honour exhibited by the Judiciary. More important, he extended a hand of friendship to his opponents, asking them to join him in the development of Imo State. The governor also reaffirmed the promise he made to Imolites during His electioneering campaign to rebuild the State and make the people proud, and told them, “I will not take your faith in my administration for granted.”
His words: “Today is a very important day in the history of our Rebuild Imo Project. The Nigerian Judiciary has once again demonstrated courage and much honour in the discharge of its constitutional duty. The judgement today has reaffirmed our confidence in our judicial system.
“During the electioneering campaigns, I did assure our people that Imo state, under ny watch, would stand firmly under the rule of law, and this judgement has strengthened my resolve to be guided by this solemn promise.
“I want to thank Ndi Imo for, firstly, electing us, and furthermore for standing by us as we strive to rebuild the state. I can assure you that we will not take your faith in us for granted.
“The work ahead of us, as a people and as an administration is a very enormous one, but we will surmount all the odds. We have already started laying the foundation for a quick recovery. All hands must be on deck.”
Declaring that there was neither a victor, nor a vanquished, he dedicated the victory to the Almighty God.
The Tribunal had on Saturday, in Abuja, summarily, one after the other, dismissed the petition filed against the Governor’s victory by Senators Hope Uzodinma, APC, Ifeanyi Ararume, APGA, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, AA, as frivolous and lacking in substance.
