Angela Mbaocha, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday, condemned the demand by the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue certificate of return to those they appointed to replace Governor David Umahi and his Deputy Dr Kelechi Igwe.
A Federal High Court, Abuja had sacked Governor Umahi and his Deputy, over their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress. The duo had long appealed the judgement.
The State Chairman of APC, Hon. Stanley Okoro Emegha, while briefing newsmen yesterday, at the International Conference Center, Abakaliki, accused the PDP of being behind the crisis and insecurity in the State.
Emegha also warned PDP to desist from deceiving herself and the general public, that APC has appealed on the sack of Umahi and stay of execution served on PDP.
He said, “APC Ebonyi State has described as foolishness of the highest order by Ebonyi PDP in demanding for certificate of return from INEC for their purported candidates for an election their said candidates never participated.
“The constitution of Nigeria section 285(13) and the amended electoral laws both 2010 and 2022 including all known cases of both Appeal and Supreme court decisions, already made it clear that you cannot benefit or sue or be used for an election you did not participate.
“It is therefore very funny and childish for PDP to be requesting for certificate of Return from INEC, even without regards to the Abakaliki court order which is a judgement in REM on the seat of the Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State.
“Ebonyi PDP is warned to desist from deceiving herself and the general public knowing very well that the said judgement has since been appealed and notice of appeal and stay of execution served on PDP.
“We are now aware of who and who are behind the crisis/cases against Ebonyi State Government including all the insecurity in the state since the Governor defected from PDP to APC.
“APC Ebonyi State will deal decisively with anyone who leaves his Facebook foolishness in the name of being nominated as candidate and steps Ebonyi State further their crisis and insecurity.
“Ebonyi State Government is stable and all projects and programmes are ongoing and will never stop. Ebonyi are requested to be calm and vigilant and be assured that justice is already at hand”.
