The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday demanded that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should immediately and without any further delay, issue Certificates of Return to Hon. Iduma Igariwe and Fred Udogwu as Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State respectively.
The party relied on the Order of the Federal High Court issued in Abuja today, Monday, March 21, 2022 refusing to grant Stay of Execution to the former Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr David Umahi and his Deputy, Kelechi Igwe over their removal from office by the court.
A statement issued by Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the main opposition party spokesman, pointed out that INEC, pursuant to the provision of Section 287(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which provides that “the decisions of the Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, a High Court and of all other courts established by this Constitution shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons, and by other courts of law with subordinate jurisdiction to that of the Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, a High Court and those other courts, respectively” is bound to issue Certificates of Return immediately to Hon. Iduma Igariwe and Fred Udogwu as Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State respectively.
The party also demanded that the Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, upon the issuance of Certificates of Return by INEC should proceed to swear in Hon. Iduma Igariwe and Fred Udogwu as Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State respectively.
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“This is absolutely necessary to prevent the existence of vacuum in the government and governance of Ebonyi State as Messers Umahi and Igwe can no longer exercise the functions of the office of Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State pursuant to the Order of the Federal High Court which removed them from office on March 8, 2022 and the subsequent Order of the Federal High Court today, which refused their application for Stay of Execution,” the PDP argued.
The party commended the judiciary for i”ts courage in defending the Constitution as well as the will of the people of Ebonyi State as expressed in their votes for the PDP in the 2019 governorship election.”
“Our Party also congratulates the people of Ebonyi State for the restoration of their mandate and urged them to remain united under the PDP as we forge ahead in our mission to Rescue and Rebuild our country from the rudderless APC administration,” the statement added.
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