Anthony Iwuoma
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has lauded Sir Frank Ibezim for his confirmation as Senator-elect for Imo North Senatorial District of the state.
Sir Ibezim was on Friday presented with his Certificate of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the Supreme Court declared him winner of the December 5, 2020 by-election in the zone.
The seat had been hotly contested between Ibezim and Sen. Ifeanyi Araraume, who insisted he should be declared authentic candidate of the winning party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), following fraction party primaries.
Sir Ibezim, who had been disqualified over allegation of certificate forgery, had fought all the way to the apex court, which saw merit in his appeal and dismissed his opponent’s case that was even filed outside the mandatory 14 days as stipulated by law.
The senator-elect, on Saturday, presented his Certificate of Return to Governor Uzodimma, in Owerri, the state capital.
Governor Uzodinma, in a statement he personally signed expressed delight over Sir Ibezim’s victory, described it as a ‘manifestation’ of the court being the last hope of the common man.
“I congratulate Sir Frank Ibezim on emerging victorious both at the polls and the tribunals, to represent Imo North (Okigwe Zone) District at the Red chamber.
“Sir Frank was just recently issued the Certificate of Return (CoR) by the INEC – another manifestation of the Judiciary, world over, as the last hope of the common man.
“This victory is also a testament of the popularity and goodwill Sir Ibezim enjoys among his people, hence the mandate to represent them at the Nigerian Senate.
“Furthermore, I congratulate the people of Okigwe for making such a wise decision.
“I urge him to be magnanimous in victory and also make good, the confidence of his people as the position calls for service to the people.”
