ENUGU GOVERNOR SACKED

Gov. Sullivan Chime

The Enugu State Election Petitions Tribunal, this morning declared the election of Governor Sullivan Chime null and void, saying voting did not take place in most parts of the state. Chime’s election was nullified following petitions filed by three political parties—DPP, AC, Accord Party and the Labour Party, asking the tribunal to nullify the 14 April, 2007 governorship election in the state.

In his ruling, the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Samuel Ottah, said the conduct of the governorship election in the state was flawed, adding that election did not take place in most parts of the state.

Speaking after the tribunal’s judgment, counsel to Governor Chime, Chief (Mrs.) Anayo Justina Offia (SAN), said the governor will appeal the judgment.

She explained that the incumbent would remain in office until the appeal is determined.

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The DPP governorship candidate in the state, Chief Oscar Egwuonwu, described the judgment as a verdict of hope for the people of Enugu State.

As at the time of filing this report, supporters of former governor, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, were seen jubilating outside the court’s premises.

There was a plethora of petitions by governroship candidates of various political parties in the state against the sacked Governor Chime. Candidates who filed petitions were Roosevelt Anigbo of Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), Ugochukwu Agballah of Accord Party (AP), Dubem Onyia of Action Congress, (AC) Okechukwu Ezea of Labour Party (LP) and Oscar Egwuonwu of Democratic Peoples Party DPP) Enugu.

Tension had gripped residents of Enugu in the last few days as everybody was apprehensive of what the verdict of the election petition tribunal would be.

Civil servants abandoned their duty posts and were always discussing the matter in groups.

Since Tuesday when the sacked governor collapsed at the Michael Opara Square in Enugu while laying a wreath during the Armed Forces Remebrance Day, his Deputy, Sunday Onyebuch had held forte for him.