Old Bende Community Union and Traditional Rulers in the zone are mounting pressure on their sons, Mao Ohuabunwa and David Ogba (Bourdex) not to challenge Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu’s victory in court, Igbere TV can authoritatively report.
Messers Ohuabunwa and Ogba were among the contenders in the February 23 National Assembly elections in Abia North senatorial district.
Igbere TV reports that while Mao Ohuabunwa, a PDP Senator representing Abia North polled 20,801 votes, Ogba of APGA polled 11,410 votes.
Dr. Kalu, however, polled a total of 31,203 votes to defeat the duo in a keenly fought contest.
The monarchs have insisted that the election that led to Kalu’s emergence was free, fair and credible.
They also alleged that the only visible attempt to manipulate the process was done by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
They are of the opinion that the old Bende people are brothers, and therefore, must work together as one for the progress of the zone.
An insider privy to the move, said the Monarchs want Ogba to stand in as a key witness to testify to the fairness and credibility of the election, if the case eventually gets to court.
The source told Igbere TV that a delegation of the Monarchs have already paid a visit to Ogba, adding, “it appears he (Ogba) is already giving it a positive thought.”
The source further revealed that it was the reconciliatory move by the Monarchs that led Hon. Uko Nkole, a PDP member in the Federal House of Representatives, to congratulate Dr. Kalu on his victory.
Recall that the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, had in a statement made available to Igbere TV, congratulated the Senator-elect of Abia North Senatorial district, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu.
Hon. Nkole said, “I congratulate the man God has chosen, the people have also made their choice, and that is the essence of democracy.
“That he won should not be an issue. He is not for me, Uko Nkole, he is for Abia North, he is the senator representing Abia North, and that is what it remains, irrespective of party affiliation.”
On the issue of working with a senator in an opposing party, he said, “politics stops after elections are over, then governance begins. All these things I did that warranted my reelection were done as a member of a party in opposition. So it is immaterial being an opposition member.”
