On Monday September 9, 2019, the National Assembly Election petition Tribunal sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state capital nullified the election of Lazarus Ogbee of the Peoples  Democratic Party, PDP and ordered the 3-5th respondent, INEC  to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to him. The Tribunal also declared that we should be issued with certificate of Return having scored majority of the lawful votes cast at the election to represent the people of Ezza south/Ikwo Federal Constituency.

The judgement of the Tribunal came barely six months after the conduct of the election held on February 23, 2019. It is important to state that the judgement of the Honourable Tribunal led by Justice Henry Akprioku apart from defining our laws and legal jurisprudence in the country has revived the hope of our electorate in the constituency and beyond.

We saw the deep interest of our constituents in the case and

believed that the Tribunal would do justice by setting aside the victory of the PDP Candidate whose declaration was by default.

Expectation was high with keen attention to know whether the country was advancing in constitutional democracy or she has retreated into the obetial state of nature where life was short nasty and brutish.

We commend the judiciary especially the steadfastness of the justices of the Tribunal in upholding the rule of law and democracy which was invented for the protection of all of us.

We salute the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi for his insistence that Justice should be done inspite of all pressures from far and near. We thank the Governor and his wife for setting the record straight. He is indeed a leader par excellence.

It is important to know that the victory signifies a historical step to the next level. Heavy attention is foccused on us to join hands with frontiers of Democracy across the country inspite of their religious and political affiliations to actualise the dreams of our forebearers in our constituency.

It is pertinent to note that our victory came at a time the living standard of every average constituent is at its lowest ebb in the history of Ebonyi State owing to the gross failure of the lawmaker to compliment Governor Umahi’s efforts in developing the state. It is therefore time to justify the confidence reposed in us by our people to promote quality representation and selfless service .

Let me categorically place on record that this is a time to work hard and not an avenue to compete with Governors and other political leaders which leaves the basic needs of our citizens unattended to. We must remain foccused and loyal to constituted authorities in championing the cause of Democracy.

We thank the people of Ezza south/Ikwo Federal Constituency who truely demonstrated that no might is weighty enough to thwart their collective will. It is time to remind leaders at all levels that leadership should not be jettisoned for money making and battle for supremacy  but an avenue to render selfless services to the people.

Our victory cuts across party divides. We were voted by all members of various political parties. We have forgiven those who fought against us. We are extending hands of fellowship to them to come together so that we can build a United Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency.

No Looser was recorded at all. We are all victorious. Congratulations to you all.

Thank you and God bless.

Comrade Chinedu Ogah,OON.

Member Elect,Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency.