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From TCNEWS

Following the outcome of the recently concluded 2023 general election and the steps of the aggrieved candidates to seek redress in the Tribunals and courts of competent jurisdiction, the Anglican Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, The Rt. Rev’d Geoffrey Ibeabuchi has called on the Judiciary to stand by the truth and not to use technicalities to subvert justice.

In his Presidential address at St. Silas’ Church, Old Umuahia in Umuahia South L.G.A, of Abia State during the 3rd session of the 10th Synod of the Diocese, Bishop Ibeabuchi who recalled the position, the masses had placed the Judiciary and the sudden hiccups that has almost disjointed the views of the people about the perceived independent arm of Government, encouraged them not to perform below the expectations of electorate who trooped out en masse to vote the candidates of their choice.

“We were taught that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man. However, the common man seems to be losing hope in the Nigerian Judiciary because they now operate as an arm of the Executive rather than as checks to the Executive and the interpreters of our laws.

“In the history of our Country – Nigeria, today, the Judiciary is standing trial before Nigerians and the International bodies. Can they stand by the truth or use technicalities to subvert justice? God is watching. Nigerians are watching” Bishop Ibeabuchi stated, even as he earnestly prayed that the Justices of the Supreme Court would stand by the truth and nothing but the truth.

While expressing gratitude to God that the elections have come and gone, Bishop Ibeabuchi, recounted various forms of irregularities that marred the election, which ranged from late arrival of voting materials and electoral officers’ manipulation of results and inability to transmit results electronically at some quarters contrary to what we were told and promised.

He however, appreciated the massive turn out of people to vote especially the youths, despite the rough path they were subjected to, and encouraged the electorate to remain peaceful, law abiding and hopeful.

His words, “Aggrieved candidates should seek redress in the Tribunals and courts of competent jurisdiction. We wish them well and also congratulate those declared winners. However, those elected should use their offices for service to God and humanity. It is not victory for your party or family. It is victory for a new Nigeria”.

Bishop Ibeabuchi vehemently condemned the call for an interim administration in Nigeria, reminding those at the forefront of the action that the worst democracy is better than the best Military Government.

The Anglican Bishop who also pointed out that there is no such provision in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for an interim Government, wondered why the DSS should heat up the polity, even when they knew that Intelligence reports of such magnitude should be handled intelligently.

He warned that attempt to blow issues out of proportion in order to defend the Government in power or to silence the opposition is grossly unacceptable.

Bishop Ibeabuchi who also congratulated the Abia State Governor-elect, Dr. Alex Otti on his victory at the poll and for his steadfastness, sincerely requested him to be magnanimous in victory.

His words to Otti, “As you get ready for swearing in on the 29th of March, 2023 we want you to know that the expectations on you and your administration are beyond comprehension. You must therefore: Depend on God because this is God’s own state; Be resolute in Abia transformation; Appoint tested and trusted individuals; Avoid sycophants; Be focused in order to fulfill and deliver on your campaign ses Ensure that pensioners and civil servants are paid; Ensure world class infrastructural development; Run an all-inclusive Government; Open up the state for investors; Create employment opportunity for the youths Plan towards the industrialization of the state.

Bishop Ibeabuchi reminded the Abia State Governor-elect that Abians will not tolerate excuses from him, having known now that they can choose their leaders.