Appeal Court sitting in Owerri, Imo State, has struck out the appeal filed by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Honourable Emeka Ihedioha, challenging the earlier ruling of the election petition tribunal that sat in Owerri, which dismissed his petition against the victory of Governor Rochas Okorocha, in the 2015 governorship election, for lack of merit.

Governor Okorocha commended the Appeal Court that handled the appeal matter for upholding the ruling of the election petition tribunal and striking out the appeal for lack of merit.

In doing that, the Appeal Court, had equally justified the governor’s stiff confidence in the ability and readiness of the judiciary to uphold justice and also respect the popular and lawful actions of the people over, who would govern them.

Imo State governor has always exercised reasonable regard for Ihedioha and would stop at nothing to commend his effort and apparent desire to govern the state, which he is entitled to, as a bonafide son of the state. It is also worth stating that all Ihedioha’s legal actions with regard to the 2015 governorship election, were all designed to help in strengthening our democracy.

The governor also commended the legal team of Ihedioha, led by Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN), for their exemplary outing right from the tribunal to the Appeal Court.

“Having lost at the election petition tribunal earlier before now and having also lost at the Appeal Court this time, the governor has no option than to sincerely appeal to Ihedioha to allow the litigations over the governorship election of 2015 to stop at this level in the interest of the state and its people”.

It is the wish of the governor that the issue of who won or who lost the 2015 election in the state should be kept behind, while all Imo people, irrespective of their political affiliations, should be part of the current administration in building a state of our collective dream.

Reacting to the Court of Appeal ruling, Ihedioha said he will approach the Supreme Court for redress and called for calm and prayers from the people of the state.

Ihedioha had noted with reservations the decision of the Court of Appeal in Owerri to strike out his appeal challenging the ruling of the election petition tribunal sitting in Owerri.
Ihedioha has, therefore, directed his counsels to approach the Supreme Court and seek redress against the Appeal Court ruling.

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