I’m Satisfied With New Ruling On Tax Papers – Okezie Ikpeazu

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia has expressed satisfaction with the ruling by the Federal High Court in Owerri which declared that his tax clearance papers were genuine.

Reacting to the ruling in Umuahia on Friday, Ikpeazu described it as a victory for equity, justice, the Nigerian judiciary and lovers of Abia.

“This matter which has been decided by the court is similar and of great importance with the one we are battling with in Abuja.

“I am happy to say that the learned judge affirmed that my tax papers were genuine.

“What happened is one of those distractions to set the state backward but this government will remain resolute in its development trajectory and programmes,” he said.

Ikpeazu said that he drew strength from the decision of the Federal Government that the situation in Abia was unknown to the law and the status quo should be maintained pending the determination of court proceedings.

The Governor urged the people to remain law abiding, adding that he would not want the state to disintegrate under his watch.

Also reacting, Mr Theo Nkire, one of the governor’s lawyers, said that the court had proved that the tax clearance papers were not forged.

“The Abia Board of Internal Revenue through an affidavit before the court confirmed that the tax clearance papers were genuine,” Nkire said.

Similarly, an Abia High Court in Osisioma also granted a motion filed by Ikpeazu for extension of order stopping the swearing-in of Mr Uche Ogah as the governor to July 18.

A statement from Mr Enyinnaya Appolos, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, said on Friday that the court presided over by Justice C.H. Ahuchaogu granted the motion for extension of order restraining the Chief Judge of Abia State from swearing in Uche Ogar as governor.

It also restrained the Customary Court of Appeal and any other judicial officer from performing the function.