Members and supporters of the local chapters of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State on Tuesday broke down in tears following the ruling of the Supreme Court which sacked Emeka Ihedioha as the governor.

The apex court in its ruling directed that Senator Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) should take over from Ihedioha.

As PDP members wept profusely over the ruling, those of the APC erupted in jubilation describing the judgment as a victory for democracy and the rule of law.

It was all quiet at the Government House, Owerri, the seat of power as political appointees battled to control their emotions. Security was beefed up within the complex.

Our correspondent reports that market women, traders, commercial vehicles operators as well as artisans all gathered in groups discussing the development in hush tones.

A chieftain and member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu in a telephone chat said: “The judgment is against the PDP and I am not in the mood to talk now.”

The Publicity Secretary of APC, Jones Onwuasoanya, described the ruling as a welcome development, insisting that the declaration of Ihedioha as the winner of the election by INEC was a travesty of justice.

He said: “The APC actually won the governorship election in the state and the Supreme Court has just affirmed that and we are happy.”

A member of the APC and a former aide to former Governor Rochas Okorocha, Allan B Onyemaechi, hailed the ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law.

“You can’t bend justice and you cannot suppress it forever. If you bury justice in the sand, it will definitely germinate like a seed and grow. I thank God for the landmark judgment,” he said.

Former governor of the State and Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has congratulated Uzodinma on his victory.

In a statement through his media aide, Sam Onwuemeodo, Okorocha also congratulated the APC members in Imo for the victory, stressing that all hands must be on deck to support the new governor, even as he assured the new governor of his unflinching support.

Police Public Relations Officer Orlando Ikeokwu stated that the police were on top of the situation.

He urged parents and guardians not to allow their children and wards to be used by anyone or group to forment trouble anywhere in the state saying that any person or group of persons doing otherwise would be arrested and be made to face the full wrath of the law.

He, however, advised members of the public to go about their lawful business without fear of molestation as machinery had put in place to ensure security of lives and properties.

Supporters of Senator Uzodinma took to the streets of Owerri, the state capital, to express their happiness over the new development in the state.

The governor-elect said his stolen mandate has been recovered by the Supreme Court.

Uzodinma, who spoke to our correspondent through his spokesman, Declan Emelumba, shortly after the apex court declared him the duly-elected governor, said that the court had demonstrated bravery.

The governor-elect accused the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of not having good plans for the state.

He said: “The Supreme Court has declared Senator Hope Uzodinma as the duly elected governor of Imo state. The beautiful thing is that our stolen mandate has been recovered.

“The governor will arrive Imo state on Wednesday (today) and he will address the people of the state. He has better plans for the people of the state. He is experienced and the state is in for good things.” (The Nation)

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