A cross section of Abians, on Friday, staged a solidarity protest against the judgement of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja that ruled against the Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, asking him to vacate office on alleged falsification of tax receipts.
The mammoth crowd of Abians from the 17 councils gathered at the Government House, Umuahia to protest what they called a miscarriage of justice, describing the judgement as totally unacceptable.
The crowd, which carried placards with various inscriptions, first matched to the state secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where they were received by the party chairman, Chief Johnson Onuigbo, who assured them that the party and Abians were solidly behind the governor before proceeding to the Government House, Umuahia.
The Deputy Governor, Ude Okochukwu, who addressed the peaceful protesters, reassured them that the government “is focused and committed to giving the people the desired democracy dividends”, stressing that no amount of distractions can deter the governor and his team.
His words: “No amount of distractions will change our resolve to serve the people. I want to tell you that the governor has appealed the judgement. We depend on the judiciary to do the right thing. We are confident that the truth will prevail”.
He commended the people for conducting themselves peacefully.
Also speaking, Onuigbo said that the party is behind the governor, adding that the ruling of Justice Abang is ill conceived.
“The PDP in Abia State is solidly behind our governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu. This judgement is ill-conceived. And I want to assure you that it won’t stand.
“Abia under Ikpeazu has enjoyed peace and tranquility and we will not tolerate any attempt to destabilise the state.
“We call on Abians to remain calm and resolute in their support for the governor. We also call on the governor to remain focused and totally committed towards the development of the state. We hereby pass a vote of confidence on the governor”.
