By Wisdom Nwedene, Abakaliki
The Labour Party Senatorial candidate for the Ebonyi South zone in the February 25 National Assembly polls, Linus Okorie, said he remained resolute and motivated to contest the forthcoming re-run in the zone.
He, however, added that his people would determine if he would re-contest for the position or not.
This was as he stressed it was the turn of the Onicha Local Government Area of the state to produce the next senator in the spirit of justice, fairness and equity.
He said this in a statement issued on Tuesday, a copy of which was made available to 9NEWS NIGERIA.
Hon. Okorie further revealed that he has forgiven Umahi despite attacks on me which blinded his eyes.
According to him, “to Umahi and his team of tormentors and promoters, I bear no grudge; having long forgiven all. Karma and vengeance, which belong to God, are not mine to serve. This is despite the fact that their torture and brigandage resulted in my permanent loss of my right eye vision. In plain language, former Gov Umahi and his terror group blinded my right eye; yet I forgive them!”
In a reaction to the Appeal Court’s judgment which struck out his petition and declared the All Progressives Congress candidate and Minister of Works, David Umahi, as the winner of the February 25 elections, Okorie noted that he remained active, motivated and vigilant to protect the will of the people should the re-run eventually hold.
The position was declared vacant following the resignation and appointment of the former Senator, Umahi as a minister by President Bola Tinubu.
The development has generated ripples as Umahi has severally boasted it was his right to choose who replaces him from his Ohaozara council area.
Okorie said, “Within the next 90 days, INEC shall conduct a fresh election in Ebonyi South and the decision as to who becomes the Senator shall be yours. The forthcoming election represents our collective victory and opportunity to permanently bury the primitive push for a selfish family dynasty.
“Happily, critical lessons have been learnt by all stakeholders from the February election and should be collectively applied to improve the electoral outcome this time around. By so doing, the people will ensure that the rightfully elected candidate is declared after the re-run election.
“My humble appeal is that we remain motivated, active and vigilant to protect the will of the people when the re-run eventually holds.”
The LP candidate added, “I have been inundated by many who want to know my next line of action, whether or not I will participate in the forthcoming re-run. My answer remains the same: being a product of the people’s will, it is the people that will determine my next move. I have commenced appropriate consultations, the outcome of which will determine my eventual decision and shall also be made public.”
