The South East Progressives Assembly(SEPA) has urged the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA) Dr. Alex Otti to shun the idea of appealing against the ruling of Justice Usman Bwala-led Abia State Governorship Tribunal which dismissed his petition for failure to substantiate his allegations against the election of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).
In a statement titled “Why Otti Should Not Appeal Against Abia Tribunal Judgement” signed by the president of SEPA, Ebere Uzoukwa and made available to newsmen, the group urged Otti “to dramatize his campaign mantra which says ‘Abia First’ at this very crucial moment by joining hands with his brother to rediscover the state in terms development”.
The statement reads: “The South East Progressives Assembly(SEPA) wishes to rejoice with the good people of Abia State and their Governor, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu Ph.D on their well deserved victory at the Election Petition Tribunal which upheld the election of the governor on Wednesday November 3, 2015.
The judicial ratification and endorsement of Dr. Ikpeazu’s election as Governor of Abia State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) has become yet another clear testimony that the election of the Obingwa-born scholar is mostly divine and apt at this very crucial moment in the history of our nation.
Having showcased uncommon commitment and utmost desire to propel speedy socio-economic development of Abia state within a very short period of time by carefully marshaling out people-oriented policies and programmes, SEPA as a social organization and a political watch-dog in the south east remains convinced that Dr. Ikpeazu has substantially the needed qualities and capacity to rediscover Abia in terms of development.
We therefore enjoin the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA), Dr. Alex Otti, to dramatize his campaign mantra which says ‘Abia First’ by not appealing against the judgment. SEPA at this critical moment expects the APGA governorship candidate to think ‘Abia first’ by joining hands with his brother Dr. Ikpeazu and Abia people to move the state to higher heights. Prolonging the legal battle such as appealing against the ruling of the Abia Governorship Election Petition Tribunal , which has the potency of further distracting the governor and his team, will neither portray Dr. Otti as a true son of Abia nor someone that truly thinks ‘Abia first’.
In the spirit of no victor no vanquish, SEPA also admonishes the governor to extend hands of fellowship to his closest rival Dr. Otti and other members of the opposition to prove his magnanimity in victory”.
