Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has told people of the state to “remain calm” and not to panic, over the judgment of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court Abuja.
Justice Okon this afternoon asked INEC to withdraw Ikpeazu’s certificate of return and issue it to Mr. Uche Ogah, his opponent in the 2015 governorship election.
The court ruled against the governor in the case of alleged falsification of tax receipts.
Governor Ikpeazu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Enyinnaya Appolos, after the judgement, said that he has faith in the judiciary and rule of law.
He added that he will appeal the ruling as he has instructed his lawyers to file an appeal immediately against the said judgment.
The Governor pointed out that as an appointee of the Abia State Government from 2011 to 2014, when he served as the General Manager, Abia State Passengers Integrated Manifest and Safety Scheme (ASPIMSS), and first Deputy General Manager, Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) Aba and Environs respectively, before his resignation in October 2014 to contest the Governorship election in the state, his taxes were deducted at source within that period.
He explained that when he had need of his tax clearance in 2014, he applied to the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue, and was duly issued with his tax receipts for the period in question.
Ikpeazu maintained that he remains the Governor of the state according to law and will await the final determination of the matter by the appellate courts.
