ABUJA — David Umahi, governor of Ebonyi State, says he is not worried about the recent court judgment removing him from office.
A federal high court sitting in Abuja had, on March 8, ordered the removal of Umahi, his deputy, Eric Igwe, and 16 lawmakers over their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately receive from the PDP, the names of its candidates to replace them, among others.
Speaking on Wednesday after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja, Umahi said it is against the constitution for him to have been sued in the first instance, noting that elected officials enjoy immunity.
He said, “I’m not worried, because, in the first place, there is no constitutional provision that says that the governor can be sued. So, I’m not suable.
“But a court judgment is a court judgment. I’m not interpreting it, but I can speak to the constitution and the constitution says that once you’re elected, you enjoy immunity.
“As supreme court says, votes cast in an election belong to the candidates. And that’s why you have qualifications of a candidate and not qualifications of a political party. So, I’m not worried.
“God allowed it so that where I couldn’t reach in terms of my consultation [on contesting the presidency], this situation has made it possible for me to reach those places, and to truly see that Nigerians love me and they want me and that is the reason for that.
“And I want to thank the PDP and even the man that boasted that he did that hatchet job. If the people that crucified Christ knew that it would bring salvation to the whole world, they wouldn’t have done that.
“So, the hatchet man that boasted is like Judas Iscariot and I have no worry because the constitution is clear. I have confidence in the judiciary and you can see I have added some weight in these few days and I am looking more handsome.”
Ezinwanne Onwuka, senior staff reporter and columnist with WAP is a Nigerian-based writer and content developer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her interests include reading, writing, researching and graphic designing.
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