Date Published: 03/26/10

Sir,

Anambra 2010: Constitutionality and not sentiments

One seems not to understand why the APGA officials, Governor Peter Obi and Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu should be so worried and continued lining up sentiments in what constitutionality is the only way forward in a matter before an Election Tribunal.

When in 2003 APGA, nay Obi was denied victory, everyone waited on the Constitution and eventually Obi mounted the saddle. Secondly when Dr. Andy Uba entered the Anambra government house in May 2007, Constitution was applied to get Obi back to the governor seat.

Now in 2010, though Anambra gubernatorial election as conducted was with a ‘forced’ peace because of concentration of large number of army and police arm-holding personnel; many people including yours sincerely were disenfranchised and yet we could not complain openly. Only about 16% of the registered voters could cast their votes and Obi who initially described the exercise as a sham while the voting was still going on, eventually heard his victory and suddenly jumped into conclusion that it was no more what he thought.

Congratulatory messages came in droves unmindful what would be lurking at the corner. INEC was in hurry to announce that Obi won; it rounded up to 25% figures that looked below such. Obi eventually became victorious. If this is proved, it is absurd and illegal. If we set out to follow Constitution, we should ensure we do so. Tribunal is still a continuation of peaceful conduct of an election.

Ngige and three other contestants have gone to the Tribunal. Soludo has also said that Obi did not win within the required norm, but preferred not to go further contesting it at the Tribunal. Let the Tribunal follow the Constitution and come out with the right decision. If it means a run-off election; so be it. It will still be peaceful.

All that have been introducing sentiments and making other sycophantic statements should allow the Election Tribunal members do their job judiciously, constitutionally and without fear or favour.

Nnamdi Nwaorah, Zik Avenue, AWKA, Anambra State