Daily Advent Nigeria

Nigerians react as Okorocha takes oath of office as a Senator

Nigerians react as Okorocha takes oath of office as a Senator

The swearing in of Senator Rochas Okorocha by the new Senate President Ahmed Lawan has sparked a divergent reaction from a cross section of Nigerians.

After February 23, 2019, National Assembly election, the former Imo State governor had been engaging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in a legal battle after the returning officer for the Imo West Senatorial District said he declared Okorocha as the winner when his life was at risk.

But the APC-elect senator took the electoral body to court and won, “Once the declaration is made under section 68(c) of the Electoral Act, INEC has become functus officio and INEC has no lawful authority to withhold the certificate of return for any reason whatsoever,”Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja had ruled.

Okorocha couldn’t be sworn in or participate in the June 11 inauguration, but he has now taken the oath of office at the Upper Legislative Chamber.

Some of those who reacted on Twitter said the plan to withhold his certificate of return was a deliberate act to deal with the Imo state politician.

Muhammad Danjuma, a Twitter user said, “It is now safe to say that it was all a deliberate and tactical move from @OfficialAPCNg to deny the south the leadership position of the house since this is coming moments after the selection. This is pathetic”

Another Twitter user said the former Imo State governor “should learn how to behave properly. He should put a stop to his ibeberism as he’s no more in Owerri”.

To Martins Babatunde, it’s “a deliberate Act by INEC and APC! The National Assembly Election won’t have been peaceful if he had the certificate before today. He would have fought the party for the post of DSP”.

Another Twitter user Casadine Igwe said, “Some of these senators are absolutely obsolete … they are of no use because they will not do anything for there respective districts and the people they represent don’t demand accountability either .. Menn, Nigeria.

Tweeting @NwaOmumu said APC deliberately made sure that Okorocha didn’t partake in the decision making of the leadership of the House of Senate.

“As much as I don’t fancy Okorocha, but can Nigerians see the hand of APC in the withhold of Okorochas CoR? It was a deliberate attempt to keep him away until Senate leaders are elected. Okorocha must be an enigma then. APC is a terrible party.”

To David, “Okorocha is a hero of true democracy in Nigeria, I wish him well in all his future endeavours, bravo my senator-elect, God will put all your enemies to shame, I join you in prayers.”

Looking at from different perspective, Vincent said Okorocha may fight back.

“Oshiomhole will receive the biggest fight against his political destiny from the Senate. Okorocha and Amosun are ready to pummel him to submission.”