A cross section of
Abians staged a solidarity protest against the judgement of Justice Okon
Abang of the federal high court, Abuja that ruled against the Abia state
Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, asking him to vacate office on alleged
falsification of tax receipts.
The mammoth crowd of
Abians from the 17 LGAs of the state gathered at the Government House in
Umuahia, protested what they called a miscarriage of justice, describing the
judgment as totally unacceptable.
The crowd which
carried placards with various inscriptions first matched to the state
secretariat of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) where they were received by
the party chairman, chief Johnson Onuigbo who assured them that the
party and Abians were solidly behind the Governor before proceeding to the
Government House, Umuahia.
The Deputy
Governor of the state, Rt Hon Ude Okochukwu, who addressed the peaceful protesters,
reassured them that the government is still focused and committed to giving the
people the desired democracy dividends, stressing that no amount of
distractions can deter the Governor and his team.
His words: “No amount
of distractions will change our resolve to serve the people. I want to tell you
that the governor has appealed the judgment , we depend on the judiciary to do
the right thing. We are confident that the truth will prevail”.
He commended the
people for conducting themselves peacefully.
Also speaking, the
state chairman of PDP, Chief Jonhson Onuigbo, said that the party is behind the
Governor, adding that he ruling of Justice Abang is ill conceived.
"The PDP in Abia
State is solidly before our Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu. This judgment is
ill-conceived. And I want to assure you that it won't stand.
“Abia under Ikpeazu
has enjoyed peace and tranquility and we will not tolerate any attempt to
destabilize the state.
“We call on Abians to
remain calm and resolute in their support for the Governor.” We also call on
the Governor to remain focused and totally committed towards the development of
the state.We hereby pass a vote of confidence on the Governor”.
Tags
Politics