A pro-democracy group, Turn By Turn Initiative, has appealed on the 2023 Ebonyi State Governorship candidates of Peoples Democratic Party, Mr Ifeanyi Odii and his All Progressives Grand Alliance counterpart, Prof. Ben Odoh, not to challenge the Appeal Court victory of Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru, at the apex court.
In a statement issued by the National Convener of the group, Comrade Ben Nworie, the group said it was childish, insensitive and a waste of resources for the duo to further take their petition to the Supreme Court having lost at two lower courts. Comrade Nworie also congratulated Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru, for the reaffirmation of his victory by the Appeal Court sitting in Lagos state, adding that it was a victory for Ebonyi electorate.
He noted that even though it was belated but it would still amount to show of sportsmanship if further action would be discontinued by the two challengers. “Once again let me appeal to our brothers who contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party and All Progressives Grand Alliance, Mr Ifeanyi Odii and Prof Ben Odoh respectively.
I commend your dexterity and courage to drive your ambitions thus far.” “However, this is the time to show true sportsmanship and love to our dear state. Further Litigations to the Supreme Court is childish, insensitive and a waste of resources. In the interest of the State, I appeal that further litigations should be discontinued.
“We believe in Turn By Turn. Ebonyi State belongs to all of us. The cost of the contestation could have been enough to empower many citizens of our dear state, especially as the victory of the APC candidate, Governor Francis Nwifuru was obvious, glaring and landslide.
“I once again, appeal and charge you to emulate former President, Goodluck Jonathan, who conceded defeat so that our Governor will be focused on delivering his manifesto anchored on Ebonyi People’s Charter of Needs”, the National Convener said.
He further called on the Governor to still extend his hands of fellowship to his rivals as he had always done.
