Gov  Nwifuru wins at Supreme Court 

From Chinedu Nwafor, Abakaliki

The Supreme Court of Nigeria on Friday affirmed the victory of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State and dismissed the appeal by the candidate of the People’s Democratic party (PDP), Dr Ifeanyi Odii as lacking in merit.

Recall that the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, had on November 24, 2023, affirmed the election of Fran­cis Nwifuru as the duly elected governor of Ebonyi State in the March 18, governorship election. 

In a lead judgment of a 5-man panel led by Justice Tijani Abubakar held that Odii failed to prove the allegation of non compliance in the election.

Consequently, the apex court in a unanimous decision dismissed the appeal by Odii for lacking in merit and a gross abuse of court process.

The panel held that the PDP candidate cannot question the nomination of Nwifuru by his party, the APC.

Meanwhile, Ebonyi State government has hailed the ruling of the apex Court.

In a statement titled “the wishes of the People prevailed at last” signed by the State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Engr Jude Okpor, noted that the ruling had summarily laid to rest all agitations, questions and possible objections occasioned by litigations from the opposition figures, arising from the March 2023 Governorship Elections. 

The statement reads:”The Ebonyi State Government today, Tuesday, January 12, 2024, once again received with satisfaction the cheering news of the victory of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru at the Supreme Court sitting in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

“Like a journey of a thousand miles, today’s verdict by the nation’s Apex Court has summarily laid to rest all agitations, questions and possible objections occasioned by litigations from the opposition figures, arising from the March 2023 Governorship Elections.

“We are not only satisfied that the judiciary practically demonstrated her impartial status, but impressed to note that she availed the complainants unimpeded access to the  justice they sought through the processes, which today culminated into clear victory for the generality of Ebonyi people as earlier demonstrated through the ballot box.

“There is therefore no gainsaying the fact that the collective wish of Ebonyi people has through this judicial position prevailed, and will no doubt stand as a reference point in years to come.

“The government of Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru which is anchored on the Divine Mandate and espoused by the Peoples’ Charter of Needs principle has not only shown readiness to accommodate all players towards achieving the noble dreams of Ebonyi founding fathers, but led in the practical disposition to mend possible fences with aggrieved persons for the good of Ebonyi People. 

“We therefore wish to congratulate our brothers for exhausting all available channels towards ventilating their legitimate interests and urge them to get along in the onerous assignment of taking our dear State to its desired destination.

“Like we had always maintained through the judicial processes; The Supreme Court decision today is victory for all who repose their confidence on His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, believing in what he can achieve for the State and humanity as Governor.

“When God ordains, no man dares cast down!

“We congratulate His Excellency, for agreeing to become God’s vessel in touching the lives of Ebonyi people, thereby justifying the confidence reposed in him.

“The Judiciary has once again through this historic ruling proved to be the last hope of the common man, and should therefore be applauded for strengthening our Democracy.

“We must also appreciate and congratulate Ebonyi people and enjoin them to remain steadfast in their support and prayers as they await the best from their Governor, the humanitarian spartan, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru who is spurred through this declaration to do more for Ebonyi people.

Congratulations, Ebonyi people! Better is not good enough, the best is yet to come.”