Photo: Rep Francis Agbo
Rep Francis Agbo, member representing Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, has dedicated his victory at the Court of Appeal, Abuja on Thursday to God and his constituents, who he urged alongside his opponents to join hands with him to win the forthcoming March 11 National Assembly elections.
Agbo in a statement issued by his spokesman, Andrew Agbese, expressed satisfaction with the judgment of the court, which ordered the withdrawal of the Certificate of Return earlier given to Miss Aida Ogwuche, his main challenger in the constituency’s PDP Rep primary election conducted last year and be given to him.
The Court had disqualified Ogwuche on the ground that she did not resign her appointment with the public service before contesting the primary election.
The Lawmaker lauded the judiciary, saying it has lived up to its name as the last hope of the common man and appealed to his supporters to be magnanimous in victory
He said that, as a journalist, who fought the military for the return of democracy, it was incumbent on him to take every measure to safeguard democracy, which he noted, was responsible for his going to court in the first place.
“Yes, I went to court after the primary election of the PDP but it was not purely for personal gains but to ensure that the proper things are done to safeguard our democracy.
“I’m happy that the court has agreed with me that a dangerous precedent would have been set if a public servant is allowed to dabble into politics and be a contestant in a primary election without first resigning from office as clearly spelt out in both the Electoral Act 2022 and the 1999 Constitution as amended.
“So today it is not only a victory for Francis Ottah Agbo and PDP but a victory for democracy and the rule of law,” Agbo said.
While extending the olive branch to his opponents, the lawmaker urged them to take the development as an act of God and have faith, knowing that it is only God that gives power.
He said, “Like I have always said, I have no human enemies to fight. My enemies are poverty and underdevelopment.
“So, let’s join hands to improve the lot of our people by ensuring continuity in our constituency.”
