Unpaid salaries: Abia youths seek expeditious decision on Ikpeazu’s appeal

To address the worsening economic situation leading to backlog of unpaid salaries in Abia State, youths from the state resident in Lagos, are urging the Court of Appeal to expedite action in the matter arising from the gubernatorial impasse between Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah.

The youths, under the aegis of Abia Youths Good Governance Advocacy, made the call in Lagos at a press briefing jointly addressed by its president, Dr. Chukwuemeka Nwaogu, public relations officer, Mr. Obisieike Nwachukwu, and others.

Expressing confidence in the judiciary, the group noted that the state has been grounded economically in the past 21 days since the judgment of Justice Okon Abang, of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

According to the group, the governorship tussle has created tension and unrest in the state and only a quick decision on the matter can bring things back to normal.

It therefore, appealed to the appellate court to accelerate hearing on the matter to ensure that either Okezie would continue his job of moving the state forward or the state would take delivery of its new governor, in the person of Ogah.

“Civil servants are now owed over six months salary arrears, while pensioners are owed over 11 months. There is anarchy in the state because many people are being physically assaulted for saying their minds, while others are being kidnapped,” the group maintained, adding that, “The state is in dire straits because of the political situation, with many taking sides across the divide.

The group said, “We have absolute confidence in the Judiciary of this country, we therefore appeal to the Court of Appeal to accelerate action on the Abia State governoship tussle to avoid anarchy.

It added, “We also appeal to the sitting governor, Dr. Ikpeazu to respect the rule of law and vacate the governorship position since his Certificate of Return has been withdrawn by INEC. We totally agree with him that he has a right of appeal, but pursuing his appeal as a sitting governor without a Certificate of Return amounts to illegality and his refusal to vacate the office for the governor-elect to be sworn in is creating tension and unrest in the state.

“It’s on this note that we are calling for urgent hearing and determination of the appeal, and also advising the embattled governor to tow the path of honour by stepping aside and becoming a good example to the youths of Abia and the younger generations in general,” the group stated.