The Coalition for Justice, Equity and Good Governance, has congratulated the winner of the March 18 gubernatorial election in Enugu State. Barr. (Dr.) Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, as the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Thursday, 30th March 2023, issued Certificate of Return to him and to his deputy Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai.
While praying for a smooth transition and hand over come May 29th, 2023, the Coalition in a press conference in Enugu, seized the opportunity to debunk what it described as “falsehood and misleading information to the general public,” by the some supporters of the Labour Party in Enugu State.
The leader of the coalition, Ugwuoke Oscar Ejike said that contrary to claim by one Barr, Ken Eluma Asogwa for the Labour Party, “the PDP wasn’t declared winner of the election amidst controversies,” adding that “Instead the election result, which favoured PDP was properly reviewed and the true position ascertained by INEC was declared.
“The suspension of the collation, as issued by the umpire was because of the outrageous result that emanated from Nsukka amidst low turnout of voters, But Labour party used their suppression techniques to manipulate and inflate the results from Nsukka and Isi-Uzo local government areas.
“After the review of the result from Nkanu East and the figures as obtained through INEC IREV. Nkanu East result was not in contention, but that of Nsukka and Isi-Uzo where the BVAS was not harnessed/utilized for the electoral process.”
On the claim of violence in Udenu local government, Mr. Ugwuoke said that “was as a result of the resistance put up by the Udenu Youths when the military apparatus used to intimidate our people, were resisted by these angry youths. Labour party from the onset was fanning the ember of war by their Senator-elect from Enugu North Senatorial district.
“According to Section 51(2), (3) and (4) of the electoral Act which he Barr. Ken Eluma Asogwa quoted, INEC has the powers to review any abnormal and sharp practices in the electioneering process and set the records straight.
“Where he mentioned that of Kebbi and Adamawa state, it is laughable, the scenario with that of my dear state Enugu is never similar and cannot be handled similarly.
“While Labour party is waiting for INEC to allow them seven days window, INEC chairman has handed over the certificate of return to our dear governor-elect and his deputy, we therefore call the labour party to join hands with the capacity, competent and charismatic governor-elect and his deputy (Barr. (Dr.) Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and Barr Ifeanyi Ossai) to take our beloved State to a greater height so that our tomorrow will be assured.
“No need to fan the embers of war nor heat the polity through incitive comments. Rather we should all come together as brothers and sisters of this great state, the best in the east of the Niger. Most especially as our dear governor elect who has assured that his government is will be inclusive of all. So lets come together”
