From Iyobosa Uwugiaren
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said that in compliance with the orders of a Federal High Court, presided by Justice Iyang Ekwo that sacked Governor Dave Umahi and his deputy, Kelechi Igwe, it has submitted two names of governor and deputy nominees to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The two nominees, according to the party, are Hon. Iduma Igariwe, a serving member of House Representatives as the “new Governor” and MMrFred Udogwu as “the deputy governor.”
The PDP also asked INEC to issue the certificates of returns to the new nominees.
Apart from sacking Governor Dave Umahi and Kelechi Igwe, the court also ordered the INEC, to immediately receive from the PDP, names of persons to replace Umahi and his Deputy, or in the alternative, conduct a fresh gubernatorial election in Ebonyi state in line with section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
Addressing a press conference, the PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, said, “Following the removal of Governor Dave Umahi and his Deputy Mr Igwe, and in line with the Order of the Federal High Court directing the PDP to submit replacements for the duo, the National Leadership of the party has submitted the names of Hon. Iduma Igariwe as the new Governor and Mr Fred Udogwu as the new Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State respectively.
“It follows the sacking from office of the Ebonyi State Governor, His Excellency, Chief Dave Umahi, and his deputy, His Excellency, Chief Kelechi Igwe, by a Federal High Court for defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“In the same ruling, the court, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, also sacked the 17 members of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly who also defected with the governor and his deputy into the APC.
“You will recall that Gov. Umahi, his deputy and the 17 lawmakers were elected on the PDP platform in 2015 and again in 2019, but defected to the APC on November 17, 2020, citing “injustice done to the South-East.”
The major opposition party appreciated the Nigerian Judiciary for its landmark judgement, saying the ruling will bring order in the political space and check the issue of political rascality and stolen mandates.
Ayu added, “We also want to single out Justice Inyang Ekwo for special recognition, particularly for being courageous and forthright in going for the substance of the law rather than the technicalities.
“And in line with the court order, PDP is immediately submitting to INEC the names of our candidates for Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi state respectively.
“We are also calling on INEC to immediately issue the Certificates of Return to the PDP nominees as a replacement for Messrs Umahi and Igwe pursuant to the Order of the Honourable Court.
“Furthermore, we call on the Chief Judge of Ebonyi state to immediately swear them in as soon as INEC issues the requisites Certificates of Return.
“And lastly, we call on INEC to immediately withdraw the Certificates of Return from the 17 lawmakers and commence the process of conducting bye-elections to replace them.”
