Encomium
… IHEDIOHA kicks
MELODIOUS victory song also filtered in from Owerri, Imo State, where Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha trounced former Deputy Senate Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha. Okorocha of the APC was declared winner of the April 25 re-run by INEC after he polled 416,996 votes to beat the PDP whose flag bearer got 320,705 votes.
Though Ihedioha rejected the result over what he called, “overwhelming evidence of malpractices by the APC which eroded the validity and credibility of the exercise,” Owerri, the state capital was engulfed with jubilation by APC supporters.
The APC faithful had stormed the streets as early as 6am with brooms, the party’s symbol while singing his praise in a victory march along the major streets. They later converged at the Government House for a Special Thanksgiving Service.
Governor Okorocha like Dr. Ikpeazu, dedicated his victory to God and Imo people who gave him all the support.
“I have asked God to bless me so I can bless others. I asked Him to honour me so I can honour others, give me leadership position so that I can impact on my people. This victory is for them.”
Also in a speech to thank the electorate on Sunday, April 26, Okorocha said his victory was the will of God and the popular wish of majority of Imo citizens.
There were fears that the PDP would cut short Okorocha’s second term dream, following the unpopularity of the APC in the South East. But the Chairman of the APC Governors Forum, Rochas Okorocha shocked his critics and political opponents with a resounding victory in the April 11, 2015 guber election as well as the re-run held in some LGs in the state last Saturday.
For Ihedioha, the battle for Imo Government House is not yet over.
Addressing the media after INEC announced Okorocha winner of the election, he commended Ndi Imo for their support and urged them not to lose hope.
“I have heard the verdict of INEC on the just-concluded governorship and state House of Assembly elections in Imo. First of all, let me congratulate the great and wonderful people of Imo State who went through enormous troubles, stood in the sun and rain for many hours in order to cast your vote not once but twice, but unfortunately your votes were not allowed to stand.”
He further noted that in spite of the instances of alleged electoral malpractices in the state, INEC still went ahead to declare the result in favour of the APC.
– UCHE OLEHI
