‘Victory for democracy’ — Mbah hails tribunal judgement affirming him as governor

Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu, says the judgement of the tribunal which affirmed his election is a “victory for democracy”.

In a judgment delivered on Thursday, the tribunal dismissed two different petitions filed by Chijioke Edeoga, candidate of the Labour Party (LP), and Chris Agu of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

The tribunal held that the petitioners failed to prove their allegation that the governor forged his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.

The court also held that Mbah met the minimum requirement to stand for election which is a school certificate or its equivalent.

The panel added that the petitioners failed to prove their allegation that Mbah was not elected by the majority of lawful votes cast.

Reacting to the verdict, Mbah said it was a victory for the Enugu people.

“This is a victory for Ndi Enugu. It is also a victory for democracy,” he said.

“It is a victory for massive development for Ndi Enugu. It is a victory for exponential growth for Ndi Enugu.

“It is a victory for Enugu’s greatness. It is a victory for the ban on Monday sit-at-home. It is also a victory for our determination to restore water in all your homes in the next 68 days”.

“The verdict has further strengthened our confidence in the judiciary as the temple of justice and the last hope of the common man.

The governor asked the opposition to join efforts in moving the state forward.

“Our arms are wide open and I beckon on my brothers, who ran this race with us, to join us in the onerous task of building a new Enugu State of our dreams.

“In the same vein, I enjoin all our supporters to be magnanimous in victory. Politics is over. Governance began on 29th May when we were inaugurated. It is time to unite”.