‘I Remain Governor Of Ebonyi’- Umahi Retorts, Says The Court Lacks Power

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has retorted the judgement of the Federal High Court Abuja that ordered him and his deputy Eric Igwe to vacate office for their defection from the People’s Democratic Party PDP to the All Progressive Congress APC.

Justice Inyang Ekwo has on Tuesday ruled that the defection of the Governor, his Deputy and 16 members of the state house of assembly to APC was unconstitutional, asking them to vacate their seats.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, ruled that the total number of votes Umahi secured at the March 9, 2019 Ebonyi State governorship election belonged to the PDP, hence could not be legally transferred to the APC.

However, minutes after the ruling, Governor Umahi in a Press Conference said the judgement was purchased, and the court lacks the power to give such an order.

“I am still the Governor of Ebonyi State and there is no tension at all. In the first place, there is no constitutional provision for any hatchet man to remove a governor. There are three ways whereby a governor can vacate his office: it’s either by death, resignation and impeachment.

“There is no other constitutional provision that empowers a hatchet man to turn the Constitution upside down.

“We have heard the rumours before now that he was determined to give judgement against all known laws and the constitution, first to embarrass the APC, and to equally embarrass the federal government.” He stated.

Speaking earlier, the state Commissioner of information and state orientation, Uchenna Orji, said Umahi and his deputy would appeal the judgement.

While also briefing newsmen, counsel to the defendant, Chukwuma Nwachukwu Ume, SAN, described the judgement as contradictory to the constitution and Supreme Court ruling.

He said it is obvious that there is no provision against the defection of the President, Vice President or even the Governor, or Deputy Governor, “so the court making judgement is different from that of the Supreme Court,” he added.

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WikkiTimes recalled that on November 17, 2020 Governor David Umahi and his Deputy had dumped PDP and joined APC along with members of his cabinet, stating that the South-East geo-political zone has suffered injustice from the PDP.

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