Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Gov. Peter Mbah has lauded the decision of the Enugu State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in dismissing petitions of Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the Labour Party (LP) candidates challenging his election victory.
“This landmark judgment of the tribunal is a victory for democracy and the people of Enugu State,” Mbah said in a swift reaction after the judgment in Enugu on Thursday.
The governor, who also extended hands of fellowship to the opposition candidates and their political parties, said the task to build Enugu remained a collective one.
He noted that he was committed to working with all, irrespective of political persuasions.
Earlier, the Tribunal chaired by Justice Kudirat Akano, had dismissed the petitions of the governorship candidate of the PRP, Mr Chris Agu; and candidate of the LP, Chief Chijioke Edeoga; challenging his victory in the March 18, 2023 Governorship Election.
Mbah, who addressed a mammoth crowd of his supporters in Government House, said: “This is another memorable day in the anal of our dear state, as the Tribunal affirmed the mandate, which you freely gave to us on March 18.
“This is victory for Ndi (people of) Enugu. It is also a victory for democracy.
“It is a victory for massive development for Ndi Enugu. It is a victory for exponential growth for Ndi Enugu. It is a victory for Enugu’s greatness.
“It is a victory for the ban on Monday sit-at-home. It is also a victory for our determination to restore water in all your homes in the next 68 days.”
While thanking God for making the victory possible, Mbah also commended the Tribunal for painstakingly dissecting the petitions and “for coming out with fair and just decision that resonates with Ndi Enugu.”
According to him, the verdict has further strengthened our confidence in the judiciary as the temple of justice and the last hope of the common man.
Extending hands of fellowship to his opponents, Mbah said: “There is time for everything under the sun. There is time to strive and time to unite. We all put ourselves forward to serve Ndi Enugu.
“The people have spoken and the tribunal has also affirmed. If service was the motivation, then it is time to rise above partisanship and come together because there is so much work to be done.
“Our arms are wide open and I beckon to my brothers, who ran this race with us, to join us in the onerous task of building a new Enugu State of our dreams.
“In the same vein, I enjoin all our supporters to be magnanimous in victory. Politics is over. Governance began on 29th May when we were inaugurated. It is time to unite.”
Mbah, who reiterated his resolve to deliver on his campaign promises, further stressed that the Tribunal’s decision was an elixir to do more, and urged the people to hold him to account on those promises.
“Once more, I immensely thank the good people of Enugu State, who not only believed in us, but also vested their mandate in us. Above all, they (Enugu State people) have stood by us every step of the way.
“I want to assure them that I will work for them with every fibre of my being. I stand by every campaign promise I made as espoused in our Statement of Purpose.
“I also stand by the Citizens Charter that I executed on my first day in office. The Enugu people should hold me to account. I will not let them down,” he added.
