From Chidi Asonye, Umuahia
But for the lockdown in the state, supporters and followers of erstwhile Abia Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu would have taken to the streets in Abia to celebrate the release of the Senator.
Wild jubilation trailed the news of the senators release from. prison yesterday by the Supreme Court as his followers and supporters couldn’t hide their happiness as they gathered in groups to discuss the issue with evident happiness even as they return glory to God who made it possible.
A Constituent from Abia North senatorial district where the Senate Chip Whip is representing, Maduka Okoro exressed happiness that the Senator was freed from prison even as he posited that the freed senator would now continue to represent his senatorial district as well aa attract the diviends of Democracy to his people.
In the same vein, one of Kalu’s, supporters from Ebonyi state, Paul Nwankpa, in a telephone interview, lauded his release from prison just as he had insisted that his release was a good news for South East saying, “At least the South-East still have hope to produce president come 2023”, he said.
Kalu’s traditional rulers Eze Eme Ogbu, expressed excitement for his release even as he praised God that he was alive to witness Kalu’s release, adding that members of his community are elated at the news of their son’s release
Meanwhile, chairman of the All Progressive Congress Abia state, Donates Nwankpa, in his reaction, lauded the supreme Court for voiding the conviction of the former Governor of the state Senator Orji Uzor-Kalu.
Nwamkpa noted that the landmark judgement has again proved that the Court remains the last hope of the common man I insisting that the state chapter of the party was happy that her leader had regained his freedom again.
His words, “The conviction and subsequent release of our leader has again shown that he has a destiny to continue to serve Nigeria and Abia state
Recall that Justice Mohammed Idris had sentenced the ex-governor to 12 years imprisonment for allegedly defrauding the state N7.1bn as governor between 1999 and 2007.
But the Supreme Court early on Friday nullified the trial of Kalu, on the grounds that the constitution does not permit a judge elevated to a higher court to return to a lower court to conclude a part-heard case.
Senator Kalu has since issued a statement over his release wherein he had posited, “I must accord a special mention to the Justices of our Supreme Court for their unwavering commitment to rule of law. We all stand reminded of the consistent and strategic relevance of the Nigerian Supreme Court in holding this country together, even in moments of great peril.”
