Former governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, on Tuesday assured the new governor of the state, Hope Uzodinma, of his “unflinching support” in his new position.
The Supreme Court had earlier on Tuesday declared Uzodinma as the duly elected governor of the state.
Okorocha in a statement issued by his media aide, Sam Onwuemeodo, shortly after the apex court delivered the verdict, pledged to support Uzodinma in his quest to take the state to the next level.
He also urged the people to help the new governor succeed in the onerous task of governing the state.
The statement read: “The former governor of the state and senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has congratulated Senator Hope Uzodinma on his victory at the Supreme Court which declared him the new governor of the state.
“Owelle Okorocha also congratulated the APC members in Imo for the victory. He called on all hands to be on deck for the support of the new governor. Owelle Okorocha assured Senator Uzodinma of his unflinching support.”
Meanwhile, 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.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 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.
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, a resident 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 could be seen on some major streets of Owerri and environs.
