Tension In Enugu As INEC Withdraws Chime’s Name

Tension and anxiety is gradually mounting in Enugu, the Enugu state capital and environs as the return ambition of the State Governor, Barrister Sullivan I. Chime met a brick wall Tuesday following the withdrawal of his name as the Governorship candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for this year’s governorship election in the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Our correspondent who is currently monitoring the unfolding development as well as the political drama and power play by political heavy weights in the state reports that as soon as the news of the sudden withdrawal of Governor Chime’s name was announced , thousands of the embattled Governor’s supporters and admirers were visibly sad as they were seen in groups discussing the development.

On the other hand, the withdrawal of the Governor’s name was a source of joy and happiness to members of the opposition, who are doing everything within their powers to stop him from getting the second term ticket on the platform of PDP in the state.

Meanwhile, in accordance with the appeal for calm made to the people of the state by the Governor  residents of Enugu are now anxiously waiting the outcome of the case now before the Federal High Court, Abuja, to know who wins and who loses in the legal battle.

It would be recalled that INEC had on Monday , February 7, 2011 published the list of successful governorship candidates of different political parties in Enugu state, including that of governor Chime and his running mate, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi, for the April election in State at its headquarters in Independence Layout, Enugu, promising to dispatch the list of candidates for National Assembly and other elective positions in the state to their various constituencies for display

Before the withdrawal of Governor Chime’s name, there was equally tension and anxiety that same Tuesday when his name and other governorship candidates of that of other political parties suddenly disappeared from the notice board where they were displayed.

As at the time of filing in this report, the names of successful candidates for National Assembly and other positions were yet to be displayed at their various constituencies as promised by INEC, before the withdrawal of the list by the electoral body.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the development, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in Enugu State, Chief Josiah Uwazuruonye said he was directed from the headquarters of the commission to withdraw the list.

“I was directed to withdraw the list. I was told by the INEC’s legal adviser to withdrawal the list because of many court injunctions and rulings on some candidates. I was also told that the list was released in error. I did not see any court order. I did not even see the list of candidates.

“The parties and the court will resolve the problem. Already, we have a precedence in Omehia and Amechi”, he further stressed.