By Abia Onyike
The declared winner of the March 18 Governorship elections in Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru, was on Monday, sworn-in as Governor by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Elvis Ngele. The All Progressives Congress’ Nwifuru was sworn-in alongside his Deputy, Mrs Patricia Obila.
In his inaugural speech, on Monday, Governor Nwifuru said he would govern the state with the love and fear of God. According to him, his administration came on the Divine Mandate and will anchor its programmes and policies on the inspiration that emanates from a ‘Godly’ movement.
Nwifuru further appealed to his opponents in the March 18 Governorship elections to withdraw their suits challenging his victory, from the Court. He said this was necessary for the development and progress of the state.
He said, “I beg those who contested the March 18 Governorship Elections with me to join us in this journey, and to offer their beautiful ideas in order to develop this very state. And I publicly plead with them to withdraw their petitions against me as that will make us to be more unified and solidified. This will make us as Ebonyi people and it’s leadership to be focused in discharging the enormous responsibility.
“I assure you all, my political opponents irrespective of political differences , of a harmonious partnership. Together we shall build Ebonyi State. This is because everything on this planet Earth happens the way God wants it.
“As I earlier stated in this inaugural address, I shall be fair to all. And in everything, the Glory of God shall be made manifest in all we do. We shall be focused, we shall be loving and God-fearing. The Divine Mandate movement is an inspiration and nothing compares to this move and dedication conceived by our leader, the immediate governor of our dear state, Engr. David Umahi.”
He thanked the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, for his doggednees and steadfastness in upholding the ideals of the party, in the state.
He stressed that the victory recorded by the party in the state in the last general elections wouldn’t have been easy, without the poise and vision of the Chairman.
In his earlier address, immediate governor of the state, Engr Umahi, announced the dissolution of the recently employed staff of the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Onueke, Ebonyi State.
While appealing to Ebonyi people to forgive him, Umahi said, “Those I offended l forgive; and those, who offended me, may action and reaction balance themselves.”
Umahi, however, urged Nwifuru to govern the state with the fear and love of God.
Recall the Independent National Electoral Election had declared Nwifuru as the winner of the March 18 governorship election in the state.
Nwifuru of the All Progressives Congress secured 199,131 votes to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Dr Ifeanyi Odii, who polled 80,191 votes while the All Progressives Grand Alliance candidate, Prof. Benard Odoh, scored 52,189 votes.
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