Imo – Rochas Okorocha: Jonathan, Ohakim congratulate him

Posted by admin Imo, Latest Politics, State News Sunday, May 8th, 2011

President Goodluck Jonathan and the defeated governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, have congratulated the All Progressives Grand Alliance candidate, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, on emerging victorious in the governorship poll concluded in the state on Friday.

Speaking through a statement from his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ima Niboro, Jonathan said, “The people of Imo State have spoken through the ballot box, and it is time to forge ahead in the task of further developing the state.”

Jonathan assured the governor-elect of the Federal Government’s cooperation in the task ahead, and invited him to build on the achievements of the out-going administration.

Also, Ohakim in a statement entitled, “Imo State must move on,” admitted defeat, saying he had no intention to contest the outcome of the poll in the court.

Congratulating Okorocha, he said, “The task before all of us now as leaders is to move our state forward. The process of healing must begin now. Every leader who loves this state must help heal the scars of the election.

“I appeal to all those who have issues with the election, particularly those whose logos were omitted on the ballot to consider sheathing their swords.

“I have decided not to challenge the election in court. It is not my wish that my successor in office should suffer the distractions that were my lot for four years. Imo is bigger than all of us.”

He said he would help Okorocha in every way possible to succeed, saying that Imo must move on.

In another development, the President on Saturday assured Nigerians that he would put national interest above everything else.

He promised that he would give transparent leadership to Nigerians throughout his tenure.

The President made the promise while addressing a delegation of the Government and people of Kebbi State, who were in the Presidential Villa on a congratulatory visit.

He said, “We assure you we will provide good governance and transparent leadership throughout our tenure, putting national interest above everything else.”

Earlier, the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Halliru Mohammed, an indigene of the state, said the delegation visited to congratulate the President on “conducting and winning an outstanding clean and clear election.”

The state governor, Saidu Dakingari, said the state supported Jonathan because of his progressive politics and the good governance he had already delivered to Nigerians, adding that such support would continue till the end of the President’s tenure.

Also on Saturday, Jonathan received a special envoy from India, Mr. RPN Singh, and the Indian Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Corporate Affairs, who brought a special message from Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh.

Jonathan thanked him for the message, and extended warm felicitations to the Prime Minister.

-Punchwp_posts