Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency of Enugu State in the National Assembly, Sunday Cyriacus Umeha, has called on his challenger, Dr. Festus Uzor, to join hands with him to improve the lives of people of the constituency.
Uzor, a candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had lost to Umeha who contested the February 25 National Assembly election on the platform of the Labour Party, at the polls.
He subsequently filed a petition before the National and state House of Assembly Tribunal, sitting at Enugu, and on September 12 got judgement in his favour.
But Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos, on Saturday, November 4, upon an appeal by Umeha, quashed the tribunal judgement and restored the lawmaker as rightful winner of the election.
Uzor who was also Chief of Staff to the former Governor of Enugu State Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, equally lost his cross appeal at a cost in favour of Umeha.
The lawmaker in a statement after the court judgement, noted that now that “the elections and the disputes arising therefrom are resolved to finality,” the interest of the people of Ezeagu/Udi federal constituency must now take centre stage.
“It is on this note that I want to extend my invitation to my leader Dr. F. S. A. Uzor, to join us in our shared aspirations of improving the lot of our people. Indeed, it is the only honourable thing to do,” he added.
Umeha nonetheless, commended Uzor for the courage of his conviction throughout this episode, but stated that his mandate is not of himself alone, “but most importantly, those of our people whose interest must at all times, take center stage.
“This is the beginning of a new dawn in Agbaja. My promise to you is that I will not fail and/or relent in my endeavors towards improving the socioeconomic circumstances of our people through a people-oriented representation that is at the heart of our legislative agenda.”
The lawmaker admitted that the last few months have been testing to him, “and has come with some cost in terms of our dedication and focus in delivering the promises we made during the elections.
“The finality of this decision has no doubt put paid to those moments of ambivalence and distraction brought by the litigations.”
He commended the judiciary for rising to the occasion and “proving once again that it has the mechanism of fighting injustice and restoring truth within the context of the rule of law. Of truth, our judiciary remains the last refuge of the common man.”
Umeha also expressed gratitude to his legal team, for demonstrating “exceptional professionalism and incredible confidence throughout this very pulsating legal contest. There’s no question that they’re the best anyone could ask for.”
There were spontaneous jubilation by members of his constituents on Saturday, immediately the court judgement filtered that it was in his favour.
The tensed situation occasioned by the delay in delivering the judgement, gave way to conviviality.
Justice S.T. Hussein-led appeal panel, not only resolved all the four issues filed before it in favour of the appellant, but also dismissed the cross appeal filed by Uzor and awarded substantial cost against them in favour of Umeha and Labour Party.
