*Vows To Stand By Him, Fight Anti-Democratic Forces
As the controversy over the judgment of the tribunal on the National Assembly elections Imo State lingers, groups have continued to throw their weight behind Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the HoR member representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency of the state.
On Tuesday, a group made up of a delegation from the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), some members of the House of Representatives, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and some other well-meaning Nigerians visited the Imo lawmaker at his office in the National Assembly in Abuja.
Recall that in a unanimous decision on Sunday, a three-member panel of the tribunal which conducted its proceedings in Nasarawa State, held that Ugochinyere was not validly nominated by the PDP to contest the Ideato North / South Federal Constituency election that was held on February 25.
It ordered his removal from office and asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to within 90 days, conduct a supplementary election in the constituency.
Following the judgment, stakeholders in the political, oil and gas sectors and several colleagues of Ugochinyere, continue to visit, in what they described as “a show of solidarity to his commitment towards advancement of democracy.”
Addressing the lawmaker at the National Assembly, the Secretary General of the CUPP, High Chief Peter Ameh, lauded Ugochinyere’s contributions to democracy, expressing optimism that the Appeal Court will overturn the judgment.
Ameh who’s also a chieftain of the Labour Party said the lawmaker was duly elected and is loved by his people and Nigerians as a whole, and any attempt to go against the will of the people and the rule of law won’t be tolerated.
“I heard what happened. As a very intelligent and capable hand in our democratic drive for good governance, we must come and show our support.
“I know what you’ve contributed to our democratic process. We both served on the board of Inter-party Advisory Council where he contributed immensely to have an electoral framework that will promote free, fair and credible process.
“What brought you on board is your charismatic type of leadership, things you have done to make sure the democratic space is devoid of any form of intimidation and Nigerians were happy when you won your election.
“Don’t fear, the law is very clear and the consistency in our law is the reason why we have sovereignty today, and any attempt to deviate from that for purposes of intimidation or vengeance on someone who has stood his ground, who said no I will stand by the people rather than the oppressors of people; We need people like you to continue to be strong, good will triumph over evil.
“I know the Court of Appeal is seeing all the components of this judgment.
“The internal affairs of your party has nothing to do with the general election, in which you participated and triumphed despite the attacks on you, the casualties along the line and you survived.
The consequences of democracy shouldn’t be the loss of life, but you stood and said this process I must conclude. I’m very confident this judgment will be overturned.”
Similarly, ace journalist and human rights activist, Nonso Uba, during his visit to the lawmaker, assured him that the people’s mandate will stand and that the people of Ideato and Imo state were fully behind him.
He also thanked Ugochinyere who’s also the Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), for securing his release from illegal detention by the Imo State government.
He said, “The people’s mandate must stand. We came to see you, we were just coming from the court of you know my case, today is the first hearing. We are fighting the same course.
“The people’s messenger and solidarity and tell you that Imo people are behind you. Ideato People are behind you because you’re fighting for their emancipation and not your own. With Barr. Maxwell Opara, Mr Walter Odo, we say we should come and pay this wonderful visit.
“This is the first time I’m coming here. We want to assure you that our people are behind you. Jisike, Ujo atula gi, meaning (persevere, do not fear) the devil is fighting in vain. As far as the people are with you there’s nothing to fear. Soldier on my brother.”
Reacting, Ugochinyere tasked them to protect democracy by standing up against men who want to destroy the institution that can keep all of us safe.
He said, “I welcome you and thank you for coming. The most important thing in all these is that when evil hovers over the land, when men who are unfit to be in office take the driving seat.
Society, rule of law, and democracy will suffer. It’s our duty as children of God, who went to school, worked hard, never involved in immoral or criminal acts to always stand up against these men who want to destroy the institution that can keep all of us safe.”
