While reacting to the latest development by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for issuing a certificate of return to his rival, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has released a statement to Abians.
Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has released a statement reacting to the
issuance of Certificate of Return to Uche Ogah by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) - an order by the federal high court which sacked him (Ikpeazu) on Monday June 27th in Abuja, and declare Ogah the new governor.
Below is the statement in full;
IKPEAZU TO ABIANS: REMAIN CALM AND LAW ABIDING, AM STILL YOUR GOVERNOR
I have received with concern, report of the purported issuance of Certificate of Return to Mr. Uche Ogah by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as governor of Abia State, despite dependency of a notice of appeal and motion for stay of the orders made by Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Our laws are clear on this matter. No one may be issued with a certificate of return let alone be sworn in as governor, when there is a subsisting appeal and application for stay.
I want to appeal to Abians to remain calm and law abiding in the face of this provocation, unless and until the appellant courts have conclusively resolve the appeal, the status remains, I am still the Governor of Abia State.
Dr Okezie Ikpeazu
Governor, Abia State