STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY, SULLIVAN IHEANACHO CHIME, GOVERNOR OF ENUGU STATE AFTER THE VERDICT ON THE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION BY THE STATE ELECTION PETITION TRIBUNAL ON JANUARY 18, 2008.
Fellow citizens of Enugu State,
I address you today in response to an important development that concerns the governance of our dear State. As you already know, the State Election Petition Tribunal in its judgment earlier today, voided the sacred mandate which you freely and graciously gave to me to serve you.
The beauty of democracy is that aggrieved election losers have an opportunity to seek legal redress if they have complaints, a constitutional right which some of my opponents explored. While we have numerous issues with this judgment and the process that produced it, we nevertheless acknowledge and respect the guiding principles of due process and the rule of law that it aspires to meet.
In the same vein, such principles also guarantee us the expression of our own rights because there is room for appeal. We shall, in consultation with our lawyers, explore all possible avenues because we are confident that ultimately, history will vindicate the just. Let me also make it explicitly clear that even though we pursue this option, we are prepared at all times to take this matter to you, the good people of Enugu State for a final resolution.
Therefore, I urge you to remain law-abiding and to accept this verdict calmly and in total obedience to the rule of law. I ask all citizens and residents of Enugu State to carry on with their lives as usual. Let this judgment unite and not divide us. If we are all propelled by the burning desire to better the lives of our people, we must do nothing to harm or spill the blood of the same people we desire to prosper.
On our part as a Government, the judgment shall not distract us from pursuing the execution of our Four-Point Agenda aimed at making life better and more meaningful for all of us. Let me also reassure you that we will not return to the dark and low times of the past. We have moved on and there is no looking back.
My fellow citizens, I believe you are all witnesses to our modest accomplishments and intentions as a Government since we assumed duties on May 29, 2007. We all worked as a team and must take equal measure of the credit. Thus, I express my gratitude for your overwhelming support and faith in this Government. There are many challenges ahead of us but with your collaboration, we shall triumph.
Notwithstanding today’s verdict, our Government is still in power and in firm control of affairs in the State. Let us not wobble in our march to create a new Enugu State we shall all be proud of and have equal stakes in. History shall be kind to judge us that guided by our operating philosophy, we have put the interest of our State first and above all other considerations.
At this juncture, let me warn that much as our Administration disavows violence, we will not, at this point in time, condone any acts capable of disrupting the peace we presently enjoy. Any violator or offender, no matter his status, will face the full wrath of the law.
Finally, I enjoin you, fellow citizens, to continue to support our Government so that together, we can create a new Enugu State in which love, progress, brotherliness, protection of our common interests and security of lives and property shall reign. I say to you, my dear brothers and sisters, that this is the moment for us to bond together and design the destiny befitting of our heritage. I say to you that I am not daunted by this feeble challenge, and you, too, should not be.
May God continue to bless Enugu State. I thank you all.
Sullivan I. Chime,
Governor, Enugu State. |
