EZECHI FLOORS OPONE OF APC AT APPEAL COURT

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has dismissed the petition filed by the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the February 25 National Assembly election, Mr Johnson Opone, challenging the ruling of the National and State Assemblies Election Petition Tribunal, which affirmed the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Hon Nnamdi Ezechi, in the election.

In a unanimous judgement delivered by Justice M. C. Shaibu, the three-man panel of the Appeal Court upheld the ruling of the Tribunal, saying that the petition lacked merit and the evidence of the witnesses contradictory and awarded One Hundred Thousand Naira cost against the appellant in favour of Hon Ezechi, PDP and INEC. 

A legal representative of the Respondent, Barr Chike Amudo, said the judgement of the Appellate Court was in tune with the extant laws of the land, describing the attempt by the Petitioner, Mr Johnson Opone, to snatch the mandate freely given to Hon Ezechi by the people of Ndokwa nation as a wasted effort.

Reacting to the judgement, Hon Nnamdi Ezechi, who represents the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, thanked God for His love and mercy, which saw him through the judicial process.

Hon Ezechi appreciated the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme and the immediate past Governor of the state, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa and Her Excellency Dame Edith Okowa for their moral  support while the litigation lasted.

The House of Representatives member also thanked the political leaders, women and youths of Ndokwa land, as well as the clergymen and women who stood by him in solidarity and prayers, promising to continually represent their interest in the National Assembly.

He said by the judgement, the Judiciary had proved that the rule of law should remain sacrosanct and applauded the three-man panel of the Appeal Court and his legal team for the display of professionalism in the case.

Hon Ezechi renewed his call on Mr Opone and other opponents in the February 25 election to embrace peace and join him to better the lot of the people of Ndokwa land.

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