Bisina SomtoThe Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja has upheld the election of Francis Nwifuru as the Governor of Ebonyi State.
This comes after a protracted legal battle following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s declaration of Nwifuru as the winner of the March 18 poll, with 199,131 votes, while his closest rival, Ifeanyi Odii of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), secured 80,191 votes.
In an interviewed on Arise TV, on Thursday, the governor shed light on the election tribunal ruling. He equally shared his vision for the future of Ebonyi State.
Addressing the tribunal results, Governor Nwifuru made a profound statement: “You cannot take injustice to the court and expect justice.” He highlighted the two key counts presented by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), where they claimed that he had not resigned as the Speaker of the House after leaving the PDP.
The court, however, ruled that it lacked jurisdiction to address this issue, emphasizing that neither APGA nor its members were part of the PDP or the House.
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Regarding the PDP’s claim that he was still a PDP member at the time of his election on the APC platform, Governor Nwifuru pointed out the court’s observation that the PDP had been consistent in being inconsistent.
In 2020, they took him to court for leaving their party and won, but in 2023, they argued that he did not leave the PDP before contesting in the election.
Shifting the focus from the tribunal to his plans for Ebonyi State, Governor Nwifuru acknowledged some challenging questions, such as how to reduce federal dependence in the state, address poverty alleviation, and combat the shortage of teachers. Regrettably, he did not have immediate answers to these questions.
However, he shared a promising vision for the state’s educational sector. He disclosed plans to collaborate with the National University Commission to overhaul the entire university system in Ebonyi.
This initiative includes reviewing courses that offer limited job opportunities to ensure that the state’s education system aligns with economic demands.
Responding to a question of how state’s income from salt production, can be improved, considering Ebonyi’s renowned slogan of “the Salt of the Nation,” the Governor humbly stated that only the federal government could provide accurate figures, as it falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel.
Nevertheless, he expressed his intention to review this arrangement to grant the state more control and access to its salt-related income.
As the legal battle concludes and governance takes the centre stage, Ebonyi State looks forward to a future shaped by Governor Francis Nwifuru’s leadership and vision for progress.
Somto is an Entertainment Reporter with a passion for uncovering the latest stories in the world of entertainment. As a dedicated journalist, Somto delivers in-depth reporting, exclusive interviews, and breaking news coverage.
She covers a wide range of topics, from celebrity interviews to industry trends and film reviews.
As an Entertainment Reporter for Prime Business Africa, She continues to provide comprehensive and insightful coverage of the entertainment industry, offering readers an insider's perspective on the latest developments and trends. She is a trusted source for breaking news, exclusive interviews, and thought-provoking analyses.
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