Senator Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress has been sworn in as the substantive governor of Imo State after the Supreme Court declared him winner of the March 9, 2019 governorship election.
Uzodinma was sworn in by the Imo State Chief Judge, Justice Pascal Nnadi, with his team of over 30 judges from the state judiciary at exactly 7:25pm after his Deputy, Prof. Placid Njoku, who took his oath of office at 7:15pm.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the swearing-in ceremony took place at the Hero’s Square in Owerri on Wednesday.
Nnadi, while performing the swearing in, said: “In line with section 185 (2) and Section 187 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and with the powers vested on me by the constitution, I hereby swear in Senator Hope Uzodinma as the sixth democratically elected governor of Imo state.”
Uzodinma, in his inaugural speech, described his victory as “rare” and a reminder that God is faithful and does not abandon those who trust in him.
He thanked the apex court for restoring the people’s confidence in the judiciary and the National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomole, as well as the party’s Central Working Committee for their efforts in ensuring that justice prevailed.
He said: “It is a historic judgement which has assured Nigerians and Imo in general that the judiciary remains the hope of the common man.
“This victory is for all Imo people, it is victory against impunity, victory for justice.”
Uzodinma said he had forgiven all his political enemies and would carry everyone along, adding that his government would revolve around reconstruction, rehabilitation and recovery to ensure good governance.
He said: “I will respect the principle of separation of powers and allow the other arms of government to operate independently for a better Imo.
“God bless Imo State.”
Uzodinma also urged the Accountant General of the State to submit financial dealings of his predecessors from May 29, 2010 to date for accurate checking of the finances of the state during the period.
He said: “I have urged the Accountant-General of the State to forward all finances of the state from May 2010 to date.”
NAN reports that the inauguration was attended by former Governor Rochas Okorocha, who is now the representative of Imo West Senatorial District, and Senator Ifeanyi Ararume.
Others in attendance were Oshiomhole and members of the House of Representatives from Imo State, Chike Okafor and Kingsley Uju.
Also in attendance were the Ministers of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, and his counterpart in Solid Minerals, Dr. Uche Ogah.
Others were traditional rulers, members of the state House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Chiji Collins, representatives of Civil Society Organisations, heads of security agencies, religious leaders and sundry.
NAN reports that Governor Uzodinma had earlier received a Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja barely 24 hours the apex court nullified the election of Emeka Ihedioha as the governor of Imo State.
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