The President-General of Igbo Community Welfare Association (ICWA) in Kaduna, as well as the Deputy President-General of Igbos in 19th northern states and FCT Abuja, in-charge of Northwest, Chief Barrister Chris Nnoli (KSM), has appealed to all Igbo indigenes in northern states to remain calm and take the verdict of the apex court in the Imo state Governorship election the way it came. The leader of Ndigbo made the appeal in an interview in Kaduna on Thursday.
Barr. Nnoli said even though, the judgment of Supreme Court, which removed Emeka Ihedioha of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and installed Senator Hope Uzodinma of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in Imo state was unexpected, the verdict of the apex court is final.
He stated that, while he has not been able to go through the full judgment of the Supreme Court, the verdict was least expected by many people in the eastern states, Igbos in northern states and Nigeria in general, saying, “As much as possible, I least expected that it will come that way.”
Barr. Nnoli averred that, in as much as the Supreme Court is the last decision making body after the election petition tribunal and appeal court, he however expressed worry that whatever decision taken at the apex court stands as a precedence and regulated until set aside.
According to him, despite the fact that court perspective on issues varies from one level to another, depending on how they are seen by the judges, the apex court pronouncement is not contestable or reversible.
“I’m appealing to all the Igbos in the Kaduna and 19th northern states, especially Imo indigenes, to remain calm and take the verdict in that manner, most especially that the favourite candidate is also an Imo state indigene as well.
“That is the position of the law. Until I read the full judgment delivered, that’s what I can say as a lawyer. Whoever is there – whether the new person or not – Imo should work together and move the state forward for the general good of the people
