I have forgiven those behind my travails - Okorocha By Omotayo Yusuf

- Rochas Okorocha said he has forgiven all those behind his travails

- The former Imo governor commended Justice Abang for asking INEC to issue him his certificate of return

- Okorocha thanked the people of Imo for their support

Immediate past Imo governor, Rochas Okorocha, says he has forgiven Prof. Innocent Ibeabuchi, the returning officer for the Imo West senatorial election, in the 2019 general elections.

Okorocha said this in a statement signed by his media aide, Sam Onwuemeodo, and made available to newsmen in Owerri, on Friday.

The statement came shortly after Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to isuue Okorocha the Certificate of Return as Senator-Elect for Imo-West

Okorocha said that he had forgiven Ibeabuchi, who had alleged that he declared him winner under duress.

He thanked the court for affirming his victory, describing Justice Abang as one of the exemplary ambassadors of the judiciary in Nigeria.

The former governor dedicated his victory to the people of Imo West Senatorial district and Imo state in general, for their unflinching support and steadfastness.

He said that he would continue to play politics devoid of rancour, malice and bitterness.

Recall that a Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, June 7, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue a certificate of return to Okorocha.

The court, presided over by Justice Okon Abang ruled that the resolve to withhold Okorocha's certificate is not supported by the provisions of the law and as such is a “lawless decision.”

Justice Abang in his verdict further said that only INEC's returning officer has the constitutional backing to declare a winner, adding that any candidate proclaimed a will retain his or her victory until petitioners succeed in changing the decision through proceedings at the election tribunal.

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