The Enugu State Gubernatorial Election Petition Tribunal has dismiss the petition challenging the emergence of Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi by Action Peoples Party (APP) in the governorship election held in the state on  March 9.

The election tribunal which was headed by Justice I. M. Sambo dismiss the petition after receiving a motion on notice of the withdrawal of the petition.

Mr Obed Agu, the Counsel to the petitioner/applicant asked the tribunal that the petitioner had resolve to withdraw the process as filed.

He prayed that the tribunal should dismiss the petition, in accordance with Rule 29, Rules of Procedure of Election Petitions.

“The petitioner filed a notice of withdrawal of the petition before the tribunal.

“We, therefore, seek the order of the tribunal granting leave to the petitioner/applicant to withdraw the petition in its entirety, and consequential order striking out the petition,” Agu said.

The  counsel to the governor and first respondent,  Mrs A.J. Offiah SAN, in her submission stated that at they had entered appearance after being served with the petition.

“We concede that we were served with an application for the withdrawal and dismissal of the petition,” she added.

Offiah stated that they had  filed and served the petitioner/applicant, an affidavit against illegal terms of withdrawal, stating further that they were in support of the application.

The tribunal has dismissed and canceled the petition without awarded no cost to the respondents.

The reliable news platform known as the   News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) stated that other legal practitioners during the sittings includes  counsels to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chief A. I. Ani and Mr Humphrey Okoli respectively.

It will be recalled that the incumbent governor was declared winner by the electoral umpire, the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), after the conclusion of the 2019 gubernatorial election.

Enugu State is, truly, in the hands of God and in all that we do, we give God due glory, honour and adoration, for He is, indeed, a faithful God.

It is with a heart full of joy and thanksgiving that we exalt the Almighty God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob and the awesome God of David for the resounding victory that He granted us in the March 9 governorship and House of Assembly elections in Enugu State.

Therefore, with utmost gratitude and humility, I wholeheartedly accept the mandate that you, the good people of Enugu State have, again, bestowed on me. This victory does not belong to me alone. It belongs to Ndi Enugu – our political leaders and other stakeholders irrespective of party affiliations; the market men and women, the barrow pushers, taxi and commercial bus drivers, Okada and Keke riders, petty traders, other artisans, town union and community leaders, the clergy, our revered traditional rulers, civil servants, the farmers, the professional class, youth and women groups, students and others who are the true heroes of our democracy.

And so, to you, Ndi Enugu, I am deeply humbled that you have, once again, invested your trust and faith in our team. It is now for me and my able Deputy, Her Excellency, Lolo Cecilia Ezeilo to continue to work for you.

… we pledge to devote our energies and time to work harder for the wellbeing and prosperity of all our people. We are open to new ideas and new visions, as we continue to lay the solid foundation for a more prosperous Enugu State.

In truth, the victory is not a winner-takes-all. In our spirit of brotherhood, everyone is a winner. Therefore, I reach out my hand of friendship and partnership to my fellow contestants. I invite all of you to join hands with me so that together, we shall build a better Enugu State, to the glory of God.

I want to put on record our gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) for his exemplary leadership and for providing the enabling environment that ensured the peaceful conduct of elections in our State.

 

 

I also salute the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a job well done and for keeping alive the dream of a brighter democracy. We are equally grateful to the Nigerian security agencies and the independent observers who ensured that we had peaceful processes at the polls.

To the leadership and entire membership of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), our campaign team and the support groups, I hereby express my gratitude for the wonderful job that you all did. I am very proud of your contributions.

Today, we pledge to devote our energies and time to work harder for the wellbeing and prosperity of all our people. We are open to new ideas and new visions, as we continue to lay the solid foundation for a more prosperous Enugu State.

I hereby reaffirm that we will continue to serve you with the fear of God, with humility and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of our people and lifting the State to unprecedented heights of development and progress.

Now is the time to get back to work. We are inspired by the sacrifices and support of our people in renewing our mandate. I am confident that by the special grace of God and with your continuing cooperation and prayers, all things concerning Enugu State will continue to end in praise.

Thank you all and may God continue to bless you and prosper Enugu State, in Jesus Name. Amen.

Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

Governor, Enugu State.

 

SOURCE: DAILYPOST

 

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