Uzodinma sworn in as Imo governor

• Support my successor, Ihedioha urges

Senator Hope Uzodinma was yesterday inaugurated as the 16th governor of Imo State, following his victory at the Supreme Court which sacked the former governor, Emeka Ihedioha.

The swearing in of the former lawmaker came after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had in Abuja issued the Certificate of Return (CoR) to him in line with the apex court order.

Uzodinma was sworn in at exactly 7.23pm by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Paschal Nnadi. This was after the oath of office was administered on his deputy, Prof. Placid Njoku.

He promised to abide by the country’s constitution and to govern Imo with the fear of God.

Earlier, Uzodinma had arrived the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport where he was received by a mammoth crowd. He drove straight to the Hero’s Square, venue of the ceremony.

The entry of former governor Rochas Okorocha sent the entire crowd into ecstasy as shouts of ‘Owelle’, ‘Owelle’ rented the air.

Apart from Okorocha, those who witnessed the ceremony included APC national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, who led some members of the National Working Committee, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, members of the state House of Assembly led by the Speaker Collins Chiji, and chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Agunwa Ohiri, among other dignitaries.

Support my successor, Ihedioha urges

Meanwhile, Ihedioha has urged the people of the state to support his successor to succeed in turning around the state.

In his address to the people of the state, he however described the apex court verdict as unfair, unjust and not reflective of the voting that took place during the elections.

“I thank you all for your support which saw us achieve so much and reversed the negative trajectory of Imo State within a space of seven months. It is significant to note that Imo State was looking good again.

“All these were made possible by your prayers, support and sacrifices. I therefore appeal to all Imolites, especially our teeming supporters to remain calm and to shun any action that is capable of resulting in a breach of the peace.

“We can always have different parties, but we would have only one Imo State. In the same vein, I urge you to extend to my successor, the same support you gave to me. It is my wish that he will continue on the path we had set for the rebuilding of our state as well as consolidate on the progress and milestones we achieved,” he said.

Rightly deserved victory – APC govs

The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) has congratulated Senator Hope Uzodinma on his victory at the Supreme Court.

The PGF Chairman and Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, in a statement yesterday, said the governors of the ruling APC rejoiced with him, the people of Imo State, and all lovers of democracy and justice in Nigeria over what he called “rightly deserved victory” that restored his stolen mandate.

He said the APC governors hailed his doggedness, resilience, commitment to the rule of law and abiding faith in the judiciary that culminated into the ultimate victory, stressing that “It is victory at last for us all.”

“As progressive governors, we affirm our commitment to work in synergy with all our APC controlled states and the federal government guided by our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, to strengthen the capacities of our progressive states to create jobs, stimulate economic activities, reduce inequality and diminish poverty in Nigeria,” he added.

Reach out to opponents, Tinubu urges

National leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has advised Uzodinma to reach out to those he slugged it out with.

Tinubu, in a congratulatory statement issued yesterday, said the time has come for the people of Imo to unite and work towards a brighter future under Senator Uzodinma.

He said the new governor must dedicate himself to establishing a government that transforms the fortunes of the people.

The former governor of Lagos State also said though the Supreme Court verdict was a disappointment for Ihedioha and his supporters, he urged him to take solace in the fact that he conducted a spirited and vibrant campaign, expressing hope that he and his supporters would now respect the ruling of the court.

“There remains a place for them in working for the betterment of the state.

“For prosperity, democracy and social harmony to reign, both the new and outgoing governor and their supporters must recognise that the electoral contest is over.

“Now is the time to come together for the welfare of the people. It is our hope that Imo emerges from this process to shine as a beacon and an exemplar of progressive good governance under the banner of the APC,” he added.