Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, yesterday dedicated his final victory at the Supreme Court to God, saying that he has forgiven those who were challenging his victory at the polls.

The governor, who staged a triumphant return to the state, thanked Abians for their support, noting that they suffered through the two major seasons in the country in order to elect him into office and prayed that their experience should never be in vain.

Ikpeazu, who was received at the capacity-filled Michael Okpara Auditorium Umuahia with a 21-gun salute,said everything about the struggle was about Abia and not himself. He expressed gratitude that he has triumphed at last as no one can alter God’s plan.

The seven-man panel of the Supreme Courton Wednesdaynight allowed the appeal by Ikpeazu challenging the Court of Appeal ruling voiding his electoral victory and declaring the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr Alex Otti, as the winner.

Addressing the gathering which was organsied by some clergymen, Ikpeazu said: “First of all, I want to dedicate our victory fromApril 11, through 25th, through the trial tribunal, until yesterday evening, to the glory of God Almighty.

“When we started this journey, I proclaimed my weakness, I proclaimed my inability to do anything without God. And we put God before us to say, that even in our weakness, may we find strength in the Lord.

“Our God is ever present God, He is the same yesterday, today andtomorrowand He will remain forever our God. Yesterday,He granted us victory to his glory so that His name will be magnified. May all honour, adoration be ascribed to His name in Jesus name.

“Again, this victory is to you people, Ndi Abia. This is one election that has seen two seasons - rainy season and dry season. Therefore, you have suffered through the two major seasons in Nigeria for us to achieve victory. May it not be in vain.

“We shall rededicate ourselves before God to make a pledge that we will continue to serve you with commitment to the best of our ability. Our prayer to God will continue so that He will provide us withthe resources to develop Abiaa. God has searched our hearts and He knows that in everything we do, Abia and Abians come first.

“To those who battled us, because we are Christians, we have forgiven them. We are asking them to, at all times, consider Abia first before every other thing. For those that battled us for reasons beyond the benefit of Ndi Abia, we ask God also to forgive them. And we know that God, in His infinite mercy, will find space to forgive every person that has battled this project this far.

“This is God’s own project, it is not about me. That is why it doesn’t matter how wealthy you are, it doesn’t matter how much contact you have, when God says yes, nobody, nobody, no power can say no.

“Therefore, as we rejoice, we will also return to God with supplication to give him all the glory for what he has done. This is marvelous in our eyes. I will leave you with the words of the scriptures in Galatians6:17: ‘Therefore, let no one trouble me henceforth, for the mark of Jesus Christ is upon me. The mark of Jesus Christ is upon you’. The mark of Jesus Christ is upon Abia. It is well with you, it is well with Abia State.”

In his exhortation during the 20-minute long prayer session, Pastor J.N.K Onyeani, said victory was in the hand of God, adding that God gives power to whoever He chooses, using the biblical David as an example. He said that God would surely see through, leaders who trust in Him.

Rev. Williams Ukonu who presided over the prayer session said it was organised to celebrate and thank God for the victory He has granted Ikpeazu.

•Photo showsAbia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, flanked on the left by his deputy Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu and wife Vivian and on the immediate right by his wife, Deaconess Nkechi Ikpeazu, and Mrs. Ndidi Cosmos Ndukwe, wife of the Deputy Speaker . . . on their arrival at Sam Mbakwe airport Owerri after the governor’s victory at the supreme court in Abuja. Photo: Ibeabuchi Abarikwu.