From Maurice Okafor,Enugu.
The Deputy Chairman,House Committee on Science Research Institutions and law maker representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji River federal constituency in the National Assembly,Hon Chijioke Stanislaus Okereke,has vowed to challenge the nullification of his election in Appeal Court,stating he is determined to exhaust all judiciary process within the ambits of rule of law to retain the mandate given to him by his constituents.
Hon.Okereke dropped this hints while reacting to his sack by the National Assembly election petition tribunal,sitting in Enugu.
The three man panel led by Justice I.Umar,in their judgement delivered on Saturday,September 9,said said that Hon.Okereke was not a candidate in the context for Aninri/Awgu/Oji River federal constituency election held on February 25,2023 National assembly election as his name was not written in the result sheet published by INEC.In his place,the tribunal urged INEC to issue the candidate of PDP in the election,Engr.Dr Anayo Onwuegbu,with Certificate of Return,as duly elected to represent the district.
The tribunal judgement was sequel to the petition filed before it by the Counsel to PDP candidate, Engr.Anayo Onwuegbu.
In his swift reaction immediately after the judgement,Hon Okereke said he will appeal against the judgement.
A press statement to his constituents made available to The AUTHORITY Newspaper read in parts,
” I want to address the recent judgment delivered by the election petition tribunal sitting in Enugu today regarding the petition filed by the People’s Democratic Party and its House of Representatives candidate, Engr. Bedford Anayo Onwuegbu.
“While I respect the tribunal’s decision and the due process of our legal system, I must express my profound disappointment with the grounds and outcome.
“As I mentioned in my previous speeches, our campaign and the subsequent election were driven by a commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and need-driven governance, as outlined in my manifesto.
“The people of this constituency placed their trust in me, and I take that trust very seriously. I firmly believe that we received a strong mandate from the electorate to represent their interests and work towards their betterment.
“Therefore, it is with a heavy heart that I announce our decision to pursue the protection of the people’s mandate through the APPEAL COURT immediately”.
Hon.Okereke urged his constituents to remain calm stating the facts and merits on the matter which are in his favour deserves a second look and that he will exhaust all the judicial processes to prove that.
His words,”I want to assure you all that we will approach the appeal process with the utmost respect for the rule of law and with unwavering determination.
” We will continue to advocate for the principles of inclusive, sustainable, and need-driven governance that we hold dear. Our resolve to serve the best interests of this constituency remains unshaken”.
“I call upon our supporters and well-wishers to remain steadfast and patient during this legal process. I also encourage all stakeholders, including our opponents, to respect the legal proceedings and uphold the values of our democratic system.
