Governor of Abia State reacts to Court’s vacation order

The governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, who was ordered to vacate his seat as governor of Abia State has told his supporters to keep calm and that he’d definitely appeal the judgement.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, ruled that Ikpeazu was unfit to be governor, and declared that Uche Ogar, who came second at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary‎, should be declared winner instead.

Omar in his suit against Ikpeazu challenged the governor stating that Ikpeazu evaded tax prior to his election, and as such was‎ unqualified to hold an elective office.

The judge agreed with thus find in favour of Okah and ordering the removal of Ikpeazu for submitting false information to the PDP in the course of the party’s primary election.

Ikpeazu has responded to the situation in a statement by Enyinnaya Appolos, his chief press secretary.

In it he said, “The Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has called on Abians not to panic, but remain clam over the judgment of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court Abuja delivered today in favor of Mr. Uche Oga against him, in the case of alleged falsification of tax receipts,

“Governor Ikpeazu, who said that he has faith in the judiciary and rule of law, will appeal the ruling as he has instructed his lawyers to file an appeal immediately against the said judgment.

“As an appointee of the Abia State Government from 2011 to 2014, when he served as the General Manager, Abia State Passengers Integrated Manifest and Safety Scheme (ASPIMSS), and first Deputy General Manager, Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) Aba and Environs respectively, before his resignation in October 2014 to contest the governorship election in the state, within the period his taxes were deducted at source, and when he had need of his tax clearance in 2014, he applied to the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue, and was duly issued with his tax receipts for the period in question.

“He maintains that he remains the governor of the state according to law and will await the final determination of the matter by the appellate courts.”