Democracy is on trial in Abia state – Ikpeazu
Dr-Okezie-Ikpeazu
The Abia state governor, Dr Okezie
Ikpeazu has described the political imbroglio going on in the state as
democracy on trial where a man who never contested an election to show
his popularity will be declared the winner and certificate of return
issued to him.
Speaking with newsmen on the situation in Umuahia, Ikpeazu who appeared very relaxed said that what is happening is a temporary setback where a man is trying to ambush democracy and get into
government through the back door.
Ikpeazu said that the tenets of democracy is very clear as one is required to campaign, run for an election, go through the rigors of tribunal and other courts required to validate his election.
He said, “I went through a campaign, ran an election and had gone through the tribunal and a court turned around to issue a certificate of return to someone without allowing me to exhaust my legal rights, which I must exercise.”
The governor said, “I am baffled with the desperation of one man to assume office, here is a man facing twelve criminal charges pending in many courts in Lagos, this means that he is trying to get immunity to
enable him escape prosecution.”
“The way things are in the state, it means that democracy is on trial, as people who know me are aware that I worked last at the state environmental agency (ASEPA) where I paid my taxes and people are now
saying that I did not pay tax.”
“It is strange to Abians as the Board of Internal Revenue (BIR) which I have no problem with has said it loud and clear that I paid my taxes, as I was duly assessed, so nobody can deny my fundamental
rights and claim the mandate given to me by the people.”
“I am resolute to protect the mandate as I have an injunction from a competent court of jurisdiction stopping anyone including the state chief judge or any other person in that capacity in any part of the
state to swear in any one as governor of the state.”
The governor then called for caution and thanked the youths of the state for their peaceful disposition since the stalemate started and urged them to continue to exhibit their good character which has
continued to portray the state in good light.
Ikpeazu noted that the state is a Niger Delta state, “Which has been very peaceful because the youths have always conducted themselves in an orderly manner, which has made it difficult for any oil pipeline to be vandalized.”
The governor called on the people of the state to remain calm as he is determined to pursue the matter to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court if necessary, “Even if it is an order for execution, I deserve
the right of appeal.”
On the issue that there are people behind the stalemate, the governor said he does not believe it, “As am aware that the federal government is fighting corruption, so they cannot support corruption in any
form.”
Speaking with newsmen on the situation in Umuahia, Ikpeazu who appeared very relaxed said that what is happening is a temporary setback where a man is trying to ambush democracy and get into
government through the back door.
Ikpeazu said that the tenets of democracy is very clear as one is required to campaign, run for an election, go through the rigors of tribunal and other courts required to validate his election.
He said, “I went through a campaign, ran an election and had gone through the tribunal and a court turned around to issue a certificate of return to someone without allowing me to exhaust my legal rights, which I must exercise.”
The governor said, “I am baffled with the desperation of one man to assume office, here is a man facing twelve criminal charges pending in many courts in Lagos, this means that he is trying to get immunity to
enable him escape prosecution.”
“The way things are in the state, it means that democracy is on trial, as people who know me are aware that I worked last at the state environmental agency (ASEPA) where I paid my taxes and people are now
saying that I did not pay tax.”
“It is strange to Abians as the Board of Internal Revenue (BIR) which I have no problem with has said it loud and clear that I paid my taxes, as I was duly assessed, so nobody can deny my fundamental
rights and claim the mandate given to me by the people.”
“I am resolute to protect the mandate as I have an injunction from a competent court of jurisdiction stopping anyone including the state chief judge or any other person in that capacity in any part of the
state to swear in any one as governor of the state.”
The governor then called for caution and thanked the youths of the state for their peaceful disposition since the stalemate started and urged them to continue to exhibit their good character which has
continued to portray the state in good light.
Ikpeazu noted that the state is a Niger Delta state, “Which has been very peaceful because the youths have always conducted themselves in an orderly manner, which has made it difficult for any oil pipeline to be vandalized.”
The governor called on the people of the state to remain calm as he is determined to pursue the matter to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court if necessary, “Even if it is an order for execution, I deserve
the right of appeal.”
On the issue that there are people behind the stalemate, the governor said he does not believe it, “As am aware that the federal government is fighting corruption, so they cannot support corruption in any
form.”
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