2011 GUBER UPDATE: Governor Okorocha floors Araraume in Court
The Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha floored Senator Ifeanyi Ararume and his Party, Action Congress of Nigeria at the Federal High Court sitting on February 3, 2012 in Owerri.
It would be recalled that the flag bearer of Action Congress Party of Nigeria (ACN), Senator Ifeanyi Ararume and his Party after the election of Governor Okorocha of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), had approached the court to interpret section 178 of the constitution vis-à-vis the supplementary election of April 26.
It will also be recalled that the Election Petition Tribunal in Imo State in the case between Peoples Democratic Party versus All Progressives Grand Alliance joining Independent National Electoral Commission which upheld the validity of the said supplementary Election. In the same context, the Appellate Court in Abuja also ruled in favour and upheld the judgement of the Election petition Tribunal.
In view of the above development in the Courts and even at the appellate court, the presiding Judge, S.A. Olubanjo threw out the case for lack of merit.
After the Judgement, the council representing the Senator Ararume and ACN, Barr. A.K. Madu took a bow and never made a comment.
Reacting to the ruling, council representing the two defendants, Gov. Rochas Okorocha and APGA, Barr. Emeka C.O.C. Izima from the Chambers of Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN) described the ruling of the Honourable Judge as fair and brilliant.
For the Chief of Staff to the Governor (Prince Eze Madumere), he said that the election of Gov. Rochas Okorocha was divine. He said that the ruling was expected. He commended the Judiciary for their continual participation in re-engineering the society for a greater tomorrow and for helping in nurturing democracy in Imo State and in Nigeria. Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Uche Nwosu described the victory as for democracy and called on the people of Imo State to continue their support for the Rescue Government of Owelle Rochas Okorocha who the voted massively and also assure them that God has a hand in the affairs of Imo State.
A businessman, Kelvin Nwankwo praised the Judiciary for their doggedness and called on all the aggrieved parties in Imo State to support a working Government that is making sacrifices for the good of the State and the people.
Uche Onwuchekwa
Government House, Owerri