Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has pledged to remain magnanimous in victory and in his resolve to carry everybody along irrespective of party affiliations.
He, therefore, called on his political opponents to join hands with him in his administration’s drive to build a more virile and prosperous state.
This is contained in a statement issued by Dr Monday Uzor, his Chief Secretary on Friday in Abakaliki, while reacting to his victory at the Supreme Court, saying that his administration was now more focused on delivering dividends of democracy to the people.
He added that the judgement of the Supreme Court which upheld his election has made equity, justice and fairness prevail in the state.
“Today is a historic day in our dear state. It is a day when light overtook darkness. It is a day we are victorious that the Supreme Court judgement that finally upheld the populist mandate freely given to us by you.
“The judgement which was delivered by the erudite judges has finally nailed the protracted legal battle challenging the sincerity of purpose; the courage of conviction, equity, fairness and justice —the fulcrum that our coming to power hinged.
“It is a win for all of us who vehemently opposed the mercantilist politics that nearly marred our shared vision as a people; and so, I congratulate you.
“The People’s Charter of Needs which integrates the urgent needs of our people would have been truncated if not for your fervency in supplications to God Almighty for the judiciary to defend democratic ethos.
“The judgment calls for not only jubilation but also celebration because it has brought to an end an attempt to truncate the wishes of the people.
“As we have survived their legal onslaughts, we are now more than conquerors, with a renewed vigour to deliver the mandate you freely gave.
“We are convinced that never again shall division against our shared norms and common ancestry rear its ugly head,” the governor said.
He commended the nation’s judiciary for their sincerity and unbiased stance in the dispensation of justice; the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Divine Mandate Campaign Organisation, for galvanising support that led to his victory at the poll.