The legal battle between the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Sheriff Oborevwori, believed to be the anointed candidate of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa; and Mr David Edevbie, backed by a former governor, James Ibori’s, was laid to rest on Friday when the Supreme Court declared the Speaker as the authentic governorship candidate of the PDP for the 2023 election.
The Federal Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja had on Monday, August 29, 2022, given a verdict on the case brought before it seeking to overturn the July 22, 2022 decision of the Federal High Court which declared Edevbie as the PDP candidate.
But expressing joy over the judgment at the victory thanksgiving service at the Government House chapel on Friday, Governor Okowa described the judgement of the court as a victory for the people of the state.
He said, “Whatever has been happening in the last few weeks is a test of faith. I thank everybody who has been holding forth for me. I have not abandoned my duty.
“We thank God for the victory at the Supreme Court. I have always prayed about it, and since 2015 I have been praying that any governor that will govern Delta that will not glorify God should not emerge. My desire is that the incoming government must keep the altar at the Government House alive. As I congratulate Sheriff, the greatest joy I will want is to ensure that when he is sworn in as Governor, he should not deviate from the altar.”
On his part, Oborevwori described the judgement as a victory for all.
He expressed gratitude to the people of Delta “for their unflinching support and prayers” promising not to take their show of love for granted.
“My victory at the supreme is for all of us. We urge our brothers from the other side to come and join us so that we can work together for the 2023 election victory. The judiciary has once again manifestly proved that it is indeed the last hope of the common man.”
“At the end of it all, there is no victor and no vanquished. I enjoin all PDP faithful to put the past behind them and work for the success of the party in the forthcoming general elections. Together we can do more and achieve more to advance Delta State to a newer level.”
