Security agents have barricaded Imo Government House, Owerri, following the Supreme Court judgment against Gov. Emeka Ihedioha on the March 9, 2019 governorship election in the state.
The country’s apex court on Tuesday gave the ruling against Ihedioha of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The court directed the immediate swearing in of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Chief Hope Uzodinma as winner of the seat.
Our correspondent in Imo reports that the judgement was being trailed by mixed feelings in the State. While most residents of Owerri, the state capital, rejoiced, others were in pensive mood over the judgment.
At the Imo Government House, all the gates were locked immediately the verdict was delivered. Heavily armed security personnel prevented people from gaining entry into the Government House. People were only allowed out of the premises.
A lady who works in the protocol department openly wept and could not be consoled. The streets became immediately empty as people feared the backlash
NAN also reports that the verdict was met with mixed reactions in various quarters of the state after Ihedioha’s initial victories at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and the Appeal Court respectively.
Following the development, NAN observed some motorists parked by the roadsides in groups discussing in low tones.
Mr Julius Nmerenini, a motorist, told NAN correspondent, that the verdict was ”most shocking development thus far in 2020.
” I never knew it is possible for a candidate who came fourth in an election to eventually clinch power”.
Miss Nkemdirim Usoro, acresident of Owerri, said: ” We hope that Gov. Uzodinma will continue and complete some of the people oriented projects which were started by Ihedioha.
”I earnestly pray that he embraces continuity and that he will take Imo to desired heights.”
NAN also reports that there was free human and vehicular movements as security agents can be seen on some major streets of Owerri and environs.
