SAN FRANCISCO, June 27, (THEWILL) – The Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has reacted to the judgment of the Justice Okon Abang-led Federal High Court Abuja delivered in favour of Mr. Uche Ogah, urging people of the state not to panic as he “remains the governor of the state according to law”.
Ikpeazu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Enyinnaya Appolos shortly after the court removed him from office on Monday, urged the people to “remain calm”, adding that he has instructed his lawyers to immediately file an appeal against the said judgment.
In the suit, Ogah, who contested against Ikpeazu for the governorship ticket of the PDP in December 2014 primaries, had contended that the Governor evaded tax prior to his election, and as such was not qualified to hold an elective office.
The judge upheld the argument, ordering the removal of Ikpeazu for submitting false information to the Peoples Democratic Party in the course of the party’s primary election.
But responding, Ikpeazu vowed to appeal the judgment, stressing that he has faith in the judiciary and rule of law.
His words, “The Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has called on Abians not to panic, but remain calm over the judgment of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court Abuja delivered today in favor of Mr. Uche Oga against him, in the case of alleged falsification of tax receipts,” read the statement.
“Governor Ikpeazu, who said that he has faith in the judiciary and rule of law, will appeal the ruling as he has instructed his lawyers to file an appeal immediately against the said judgment.
“As an appointee of the Abia State Government from 2011 to 2014, when he served as the General Manager, Abia State Passengers Integrated Manifest and Safety Scheme (ASPIMSS), and first Deputy General Manager, Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) Aba and Environs respectively, before his resignation in October 2014 to contest the governorship election in the state, within the period his taxes were deducted at source, and when he had need of his tax clearance in 2014, he applied to the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue, and was duly issued with his tax receipts for the period in question.
“He maintains that he remains the governor of the state according to law and will await the final determination of the matter by the appellate courts.”
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