Abians have staged a peaceful protest against the judgement of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja asking the State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu to vacate office on alleged falsification of tax receipts.
The mammoth crowd of Abians from the 17 LGAs of the State were protesting what they called miscarriage of justice and described the judgment as totally unacceptable.
The crowd which carried placards with various inscriptions first matched to the State Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where they were received by the Party Chairman, Chief Johnson Onuigbo who assured them that the Party and Abians were solidly behind the Governor before proceeding to the Government House, Umuahia.
Speaking on behalf of the people at the PDP secretariat, the chairman, Umuahia South LGA,barr Randy Ukanwoke decried the judgment which according to him is totally against the wishes of Abians ,pointing out that the state has enjoyed peace and growth under Governor Ikpeazu.
Also presenting a communiqué on behalf of the group at the Government House, Umuahia, the Transition committee chairman of Arochukwu LGA, Amah Abraham said the judgment is a calculated attempt to disrupt the peace the state has enjoyed under Governor Ikpeazu but reaffirmed their confidence in the judiciary to do justice on the matter.
“Abia under Ikpeazu has enjoyed peace and tranquility and we will not tolerate any attempt to destabilize the state “, he said.
“We call on Abians to remain calm and resolute in their support for the Governor.” We also call on the Governor to remain focused and totally committed towards the development of the state.We hereby pass a vote of confidence on the Governor”.
Receiving the group, the Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Rt Hon Ude Okochukwu reassured the people that the government is still focused and committed to giving the people the desired democracy dividends.
“No amount of distractions will change our resolve to serve the people.”I want to tell you that the governor has appealed the judgment , we depend on the judiciary to do the right thing. We are confident that the truth will prevail”.
He commended the people for conducting themselves peacefully.
