Wabara, council chairmen lead protest against Ikpeazu’s removal

Former Senate President, Adolf Wabara yesterday, led top people from across the 17 local council areas of Abia State, in protest against the sacking of the state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu.

A Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, had removed the governor on Monday, on the ground that he failed to satisfy the tax requirements as a candidate.

The protesters, who had transitional chairmen of the 17 local councils leading the way, described the court ruling as unacceptable to the people.

They noted that it was inconceivable that the ruling is coming after the governor had fought election petitions against him up to the Supreme Court, which finally upheld his election.

The protesters, who marched along major streets of Umuahia, went to Abia Government House, where the Deputy Governor, Ude Oko Chuckwu received them on behalf of the governor.

The court had ruled that Ikpeazu should vacate office for his PDP rival in the party’s governorship primary, Sampson Uche Ogah, who had challenged Ikpeazu’s declaration as winner in 2015.

Spokesperson of the protesters and chairman of Arochukwu Local Council area, Ama Abraham said despite the Justice Okon Abang order, they still have confidence in ability of the appeal court vacating the lower court verdict.

They urged the governor to remain focused and not be distracted by the development, having scaled through many petitions that have challenged his declared victory at the poll.