Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) trooped to the streets of Umuahia Wednesday to celebrate the Appeal Court judgment which gave it hope of becoming the ruling party in the state.
Party supporters and other groups that came from the pro-good governance groups marched through major streets in the state capital, beating drums, blowing trumpets, singing and dancing in support of the favourable Appeal Court verdict. Sounds of crowing cocks filled the air as the party faithful tried to outdo one another in making the sound of the cock, the symbol of APGA.
The victory rally, which began soon after midday, was in contrast to the huge protest marches held at Ukwa/Ngwa area of the state as well as Umuahia to denounce the nullification of the election of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
All through the announcement of the governorship election results and the subsequent judgment of the trial tribunal, the APGA camp had been enveloped by gloom but all that has given way to joy as they wait for possible take over of government.
The placards the victory marchers carried were explicit expressions of their readiness to move into government house.
Some of the inscriptions, read: ‘Swear in Alex Otti now; ‘Alex, Otti, Abians are proud of you; “Join us celebrate Alex Otti; ‘No Alex Otti, no Abia’.
“Abians are very happy,” declared the state Chairman of APGA, Rev Augustine Ehiemere, as he addressed the enthusiastic crowd that stood sweltering in the hot afternoon.
He said the success recorded at the appeal court by the party’s governorship candidate, Otti, represents “victory for democracy, development and progress.”
The party chairman stated that the rally was organised by pro-groups for good governance of the state to celebrate the victory of APGA and Otti.
The minority leader the state House of Assembly, Prince Ikedi Ezekwesili, went spiritual in his speech, saying God manifested himself on December 31, 2015, at a time it seemed all hope was lost and that God would not answer the people’s prayers.
“It was a day transformation, change and liberation were delivered to Abians,” he said, adding: “Today Abians have trooped to the streets to appreciate God for recovering the stolen mandate“. He expressed optimism that the Supreme Court would affirm the judgment of the Appeal Court.
The APGA senatorial candidate for Abia North, Chief David Ogba Onuoha-Bourdex, said the victory of Otti at Appeal Court was for Abians, adding that those who voted for him cut across party lines as APGA supporters alone could not have made him win.
He said Abians who yearned for change expressed it by voting for Otti.
The leader and spokesman of the victory rally organisers, Barth Ekeoma, urged APGA supporters to be patient, noting that the party would take over the government very soon. (Thisday)
