Mixed reactions have trailed the removal of Gov. Dave Umahi of Ebonyi and his Deputy, Dr Eric Kelechi-Igwe from office by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
While some residents saw it as a welcome development, others expressed disappointment with the judgement.
Some residents who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abakaliki described it as a โvictory for democracyโ.
According to them, the judgement is an indication that the judiciary remains the beacon of democracy and the last hope of the common man.
Mr Basil Igwe, a resident, said the judgement would deepen democracy in the court and curtail the excesses of politicians especially, the elected representatives who jump from one party to another.
โThe judgement is a true reflection of the Constitution and Electoral Act. The governor unlawfully defected from the Peopleโs Democratic Party (PDP) that sponsored him in the 2015 and 2019 elections.
โThe court victory is a vindication of our constitution and it will go a long way in checking the excesses of our politicians who jump from one political party to another without any reasonable cause,โ he said.
Another resident, Mr Uchenna Igwe said that the victory was not for the PDP but for every democracy-loving citizen of the country.
He regretted that the nationโs democracy was in grave danger due to the attitude of some of the politicians and their neglect of the provisions of the Constitution.
โThe judgement will serve as a deterrent to other elected public officials who would want to leave the party that sponsored them to victory for another party without relinquishing the position.
โI applaud the courage of Justice Enyang Ekwo for the judgement and urge the judiciary to remain alive to their duty,โ he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Godwin Onwe, a lawyer said the governor had an option of appeal and would remain the governor until the last appeal was heard on the matter by the Supreme Court.
โThough the Federal High Court has sacked the governor by its pronouncement. However, Umahi remains the governor of Ebonyi because he has the right of appeal even up to the Supreme Courtโ he said.
The security situation in the Abakaliki and its environs has remained calm and peaceful in spite of the judgement against the governor.
Recall with Noble Reporters Media that the Governor was sacked by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday, following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC)
Mr John Okoro, a resident, told NAN in Abakaliki, that the ruling sacking Umahi was not in the interest of Ebonyi people.
Okoro, a Political Analyst, described Umahi as a good leader and urged the court to reverse the ruling in favour of Umahi.
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โDoes it mean that we will not have a Governor at this period as the nation is prepping for the 2023 elections?
โI am not happy over the sack. Gov Umahi has done so much good for his people. The sack is not good, especially now that he is getting set to take the presidential position
Noble Reporters Media 