By Adeyera Damilola (The New Diplomat’s politics desk)
Since news broke of the Supreme Court judgement on the Imo 2019 Governorship election, Nigerian media space has been filled with reactions to the news.
The New Diplomat, on Tuesday, broke the news of the seven-man panel led by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Tanko Muhammad, agreement that results in 388 polling units were unlawfully excluded during the collation of the final governorship election result in Imo State. Therefore, nullifying the election of Emeka Ihedioha of the People Democratic Party, PDP.
The Supreme Court ordered that Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressive Congress, APC, be given his Certificate of Return immediately and be sworn in as Governor of Imo State. The Supreme Court judgement has been met with different colors of reactions as some chose to congratulate Uzodinma, some chose to lambast the Supreme Court for what they describe as an impartial judgement.
Top on the list of Nigerians who congratulated Hope Uzodinma on the restoration of his mandate is the Former Governor of Imo state, Senator Rochas Okorocha , whose Son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, also contested in the election under Action Alliance, AA. He said the judgement further strengthened his “Hope” in the Nigerian state.
“The Supreme Court has delivered justice to the good people of Imo state and reinforced our belief that illegality has no place in our polity. I congratulate Governor Hope Uzodinma wholeheartedly.“ Okorocha said in a Tweet on his official Twitter handle on Tuesday evening. He went on to congratulate: “all Imolites and urge that all hands be on deck to help the new government to deliver the dividends of democracy to our dear state.”
Bashir Ahmed; a Presidential aide, Adams Oshiomhole; Chairman All Progressive Congress; APC, Osun State Governor; Adegboyega Oyetola, APC United Kingdom Chapter, Dr Joe Abah all took to their Twitter handles on Tuesday to congratulate Hope Uzodinma.
However, amidst all the merriment that has followed the Supreme Court judgment is a backload of sorrow and anger by some who believe that the judgement delivered by the Supreme Court was reeked with injustice. Legendary entertainer, Charles Oputa better known as Charly Boy, while giving his reaction said Imo state was gone.
The 68 years old entertainer made this known in a tweet on his official Twitter handle on Wednesday morning. His tweet which was written in pidgin local dialect read: Imo State is Gone. They think their terrorism will defeat us. They are so ignorant they don’t understand that this too shall pass. Na dem wey no understand say dem get expiring date (They do no understand that they have expiring date). Der Mumu Na follow come (Their foolery came with them).
Former aviation Minister, Femi Fani Kayode, in his reaction said: “Would someone please explain to me how a candidate that came 4th in the election suddenly became the winner? The Supreme Court has a lot of explaining to do! The people of Imo did not deserve this nonsense!”
Also the Former Lagos Governorship candidate under Action Democratic Party, ADP, Babatunde Gbadamosi in his reaction said: “To save all Nigerians from this mess, the Imo State House of Assembly must IMMEDIATELY impeach Hope Uzodinma, as the Supreme Court cannot create new voters out of thin air.”
