Former Secretary to State Government, SSG,Abia State, and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr Eme Okoro, has said that his party lost the state to the ruling Labour Party in the 2023 governorship poll due to the abysmal performance of the immediate-past Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu.

The elder statesman who served as SSG in Ikpeazu’s first tenure, said it was already obvious before the polls that Abians would not vote for PDP’s continuity.

Dr Okoro who spoke with Vanguard while reacting to the supreme court judgment that affirmed Gov. Alex Otti’s victory, said Otti won by landslide and should be allowed to govern.

He said: ” Abinitio, I was fully convinced that greater number of Abians voted for Otti. PDP had not done enough to justify being re-elected.”

The former SSG hailed the judiciary for the judgment, saying his lost of confidence in the Supreme Court because of some of its previous judgments, had been somehow restored.

” In this instance, they served justice and I commend them.”

The former SSG further said: “This is the time Gov Otti will settle for governance”, and assured him of the support of Abia elders like himself.

Meanwhile, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa who represented Abia North in the eight Senate, has congratulated the Governor over the victory.

In the same vein, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo;as well as the immediate-past Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Abia State chapter, Dr Chimezie Okwuonu, have all congratulated the Governor for the victory.

Senator Ohuabunwahailed the supreme court for thejudgment which he described as a final endorsement of the people’s mandate.

The former Leader ECOWAS Parliament, said the affirmation of Otti’s election by the apex court would spur him to deliver more democracy gains for the people.

” Litigations over election matters have always been a huge distraction to any elective office holder. But now that the final court in the land has ruled in favour of the Governor, he can fully focus on his vision without encumbrances again”, he said.

Senator Ohuabunwa who acknowledged the dogged fight by the Appellants, however, appealed to them to accept the verdict of the apex court in good faith and the spirit of sportsmanship.

He urged them to throw their weight behind the Governor and support his bid to develop the state for the good of all.

The former Leader of the House of Representatives, also appealed to the Governor to be magnanimous in victory, and incorporate some of the lofty ideas from his opponents to move the state forward.

He sued for peace and reconciliation, arguing that Abia will witness more transformation in all frontiers under the atmosphere of peace and brotherly love.

The PDP stalwart, pledged his support for Otti as the Governor strives to make Abia a better state for the good of all.

NUJ President, in a statement, commended Otti for his resilience during the legal battle.

He said Otti’s resilience and unwavering commitment throughout the legal challenges were not only commendable but also reflective of his dedication to the principles of democracy.

The statement read:”This victory is not merely a personal triumph but a testament to the trust and confidence that the people of Abia State have placed in Governor Alex Otti’s leadership. The democratic process has been thoroughly tested, and the highest court in the land has affirmed the mandate bestowed upon him by the electorate.

“As the National President of NUJ and a fellow Abian, I take pride in witnessing one of our own excel on the political stage. Governor Alex Otti’s victory is a source of inspiration not only for Abians but for the entire nation.

“We believe that this judicial affirmation will serve as a catalyst for Governor Otti to redouble his efforts in delivering good governance and sustainable development to the people of Abia State. The Nigeria Union of Journalists congratulates Governor Alex Otti and wishes him a successful and impactful tenure.

“We remain committed to upholding the principles of democracy and supporting the endeavors of leaders who prioritize the welfare of their constituents.”

The former NMA boss In his own message commended Otti for his achievements so far in the health sector.

He congratulated him, saying that the victory would enable him to fully concentrate on governance.

He said:”May I join the many well wishes of Abia State to congratulate the Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti on his victory at the Apex court.

“This victory is a testament of the fact that it is your time and your turn to lead the people of Abia State and God has sealed it.

“Within the first year of your stay in office, you have restored the lost accreditation of Abia State University Medical School, renovated the Abia State Teaching Hospital and the Abia State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic centre.

“The people in the rural areas now have assess to specialist medical services and the general hospitals are undergoing massive rehabilitation.

“Your leadership sagacity, your tolerance and extension of warm hands of fellowship to your political opponents is a show of your belief in democracy, focused administration and a confirmation of the trust bestowed on you by our people.

“Now that the tussle is over, I am persuaded that we shall continue in this thy might and turn Abia into a home of medical tourism and put Abia in the map of excellent health care delivery.” (Vanguard)