‘No order stopped Obiano’s swearing-in

Anambra State Chief Judge Justice Peter Umeadi has said there was no court order
stopping him from swearing in Governor Willie Obiano and his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke,
as being alleged.
A statement yesterday in Awka, signed by Chief Registrar Nkechinyelu Doris Ezeani said
the court saw the relief by the plaintiff, but did not pronounce on it.
He said the matter was adjourned till March 25.
The statement reads: "Knowing the chief judge, he will not evade the service of any court
process. He will allow access even where it is to be served on him.
"Even where he is absent and the court process is received in his chambers, it will come
to his notice and he will abide by the same.
"The publication in Suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/118/2014 does not show that injunction was
made against the chief judge and none was served.
"The chief judge is a nominal party in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/118/2014, but even at that
he has been given the power and rights pursuant to Section 185(2) of the 1999
Constitution (as amended) to swear in the governor–elect and deputy governor-elect.
"The power and rights can only be abridged by clear and unequivocal orders of court.
"The publications in the newspapers do not replace the pronouncement of the court.
"The court saw their relief no. (d) from a mandatory injunction to stop the chief judge
from swearing in the governor-elect and deputy governor-elect on March 17, but did not
pronounce on it and instead adjourned the matter till March 25.
"From the legal authorities listed in the publications, the plaintiff may still achieve the
purport of his relief if he continues with his suit."
Many igbo at home and abroad continue to hail the swearing-in of Anambra State
Governor Willie Obiano and his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke.
The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mrs. Chinwe Nwaebili, told The Nation yesterday
in Awka the state experienced success with the Peter Obi administration.
She said: "I give God the glory for answering our prayers. What happened in the last
eight years has never occurred in the history of Anambra, as a sitting governor handed
over in a colourful ceremony."
The governorship candidate of the Progressives Peoples Alliance (PPA), Mr. Godwin
Ezeemo, congratulated the new governor.
He said Anambra was blessed with human and material resources to take the state to an
enviable level.
"Anambra is the heartbeat of the Igbo by virtue of the personalities from the state.
Nothing will be hard to achieve if resources are pulled together.
"The governor should put behind what happened during the campaign and pick the
eggheads, who will assist him in piloting the state's affairs.
"The time has come for us to join hands with our leader and develop our state."
The Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Ekiti State and President of the group in the
Southwest, Chief Nathaniel Uzoma, said the peaceful inauguration was a sign of greater
things to come.
He noted Igbo had come of age and would take their political destiny in their hands by
aligning with things to promote Igbo interest.
National Youth leader of the group, Mr. Alex Ezeobi, urged unity among the Igbo to
ensure development in the Southeast.
He enjoined youths to be responsive and sensitive to issues affecting their race and be
enlightened to present challenges.
The Chief Whip, Mr. Ikechukwu Umeh, corroborated the Speaker and others, saying the
lawmakers would ensure growth.
Speaking on behalf of Anambra in the diaspora, the President of Anambra Indigenes in
America (ASA-USA), Mr. Allison Anadi, said the ceremony showed that the state had
developed.
He said the group would support the government and promote growth.
Anambra State Governor Willy Obiano yesterday retained Mr. Oseloka Obaze as
secretary to the state government (SSG).
He appointed Prof. Joseph Asike as the Chief of Staff and Mr. Willy Nwaokoye as principal
secretary to the governor.
The oaths of allegiance and oaths of office were administered by the Solicitor-General,
Mrs. Emeke Ekwue.
The appointments were announced after the first Executive Council meeting.
Obiano said they were his first appointments, expressing confidence the appointees are
capable hands, who did well and would carry out their duties efficiently.
He added: "The task ahead is huge. We need the best hands and I believe they will
deliver."
Obaze, on behalf of others, thanked the governor for the honour, saying they would
meet his expectations by meeting the challenges of governance.