By Emeka Okafor
The Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu on Tuesday upheld the election victory of the Senator representing Anambra South on the platform of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) at the National Assembly, Mr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah.
In a judgement delivered by the chairman of the Appeal Panel, Hon. Justice Ibrahim M. Saulawa, the appellate court dismissed the appeals filed by the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Chris Uba and Senator Andy Uba respectively for lack merit.
Justice Saulawa ruled that the election tribunal was right to have affirmed the electoral victory of Senator Ubah.
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Meanwhile, Senator Ubah has reacted to the ruling of the Court of Appeal , commending it for upholding the will of the people of Anamabra South who elected him as their representative at the Senate.
In a statement signed by the senator on Tuesday, he said “To the glory of God, the Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu this morning affirmed my electoral victory as Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District.
“Today’s judgement is indeed a clear indication that the third arm of government is the last hope of the common man. This is indeed a victory for democracy, Anambra South and Nigeria at large. I want to appreciate the judiciary for rising up to its solemn responsibility of ensuring that justice prevailed without fear of favour or prejudice.”
Ubah, while commending the people of the district, promised to give quality representation to the people of the area as well as to attract development to the district and the state as a lawmaker.
“I wish to specially thank my wife and family who have stood with me through the entire process, you all have been a reliable and firm pillar of support who have shown me the meaning of consistency and faithfulness through your love for me.
“I also want to use this medium to salute the gallantry of my friends, critical sponsors, well wishers and supporters who stood firmly with me through the course of this electoral battle. They should hold their heads high as persons who stood up to be counted when I needed them most, I will never be able to repay your kindness and steadfastness. History will be kind to you all!
I” dedicate this victory to God from whom leadership comes. To Ndi Anambra Anambra South, I promise to continue to deliver on the sacred mandate given to me by the people. Our goal is closer now than ever and the path is now clear for focused piloting of Anambra South’s affairs to the much expected higher levels. I am convinced that a glorious future is beckoning Anambra South and Igbo Nation.
“May I also use this medium to once again, appreciate the disposition of Chief Nicholas Ukachukwu, who accepted the election result in good faith and opted to respect the will of the people. Your conduct has reaffirmed the faith you have in God and I sincerely look forward to fruitfully synergizing with you for the betterment of Ndi Anambra South and Anambra State in general.
“Now that the legal battles are over, the Igbo Economic Recovery Agenda can now come on full course. It is my belief that with the verdict of the Appeal court, we should give peace a chance. Now is the time to focus on the daunting task of rebuilding and recovering Anambra South and the Igbo economy from its present state of underdevelopment and wanton set back in all facets.
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“I am under no illusion that I can realize this vision alone as I have always believed that the task of society building cannot be realized single handedly by any leader, but by the collective effort of every one of us. I hereby stretch a hand of fellowship and urge Chief Chris Uba, Senator Andy Uba, Chief Nicholas Ukachukwu as well as the electorate, men and women of goodwill, to join hands with me as we strive to actualize the task of rebuilding and developing Anambra South. No victor, no vanquished!
“It is my sincere hope that with your relentless support, ideas and prayers, I will continue to fashion our legislative interventions for the development of my Senatorial District, the South eastern economy and Nigeria at large”, the statement added
