By Deborah Coker
A section of the people from Isukwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia on Thursday expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal will validate the election of Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha as member representing Isukwuato/Umunneochi constituency in the House of Representatives.
Onyejeocha is currently serving as the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity.
The constituents, on the platform of Isukwuato/Umunneochi Patriotic Stakeholders Forum frowned at what they described as an attempt by some individuals to distract the Appeal Court from diligently carrying out its responsibilities.
The Forum’s Coordinator and former Abia Commissioner for Information, Mr Eze Chikamnayo, told newsmen in Abuja that INEC had the constitutional right to determine whether to retain or discontinue the legal services of its lawyers.
Onyejeoacha had contested for Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, which she lost to Amobi Ogah of the Labour Party (LP).
But an election tribunal sitting in Umuahia on Sept. 6 nullified Ogah’s election and declared Onyejeocha the winner of the election.
Ogah and LP have appealed against the judgement
According to him, the Appeal Session of the Election Petition Tribunal Court should be allowed to carry out its constitutional duties without stampede, molestation and intimidation.
“We want to warn those fanning the embers of disorder to desist immediately. We urge INEC and the Appeal Court not to be distracted or deterred.
“We believe that the tremendous victory of the minister will be validated again by the Appeal Court to enable her continue her trademark delivery of outstanding democratic dividends,” Chikamnayo said.
The LP National Youth Leader, Kennedy Ahanotu, at a recent news conference in Abuja alleged interference by the Julius Aburi-led faction of the party in the legal representation of Ogah at the Appeal Court. (NAN)
