BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

OWERRI -Taking his defeat with philosophical calm,  Imo State Governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim congratulated Chief Rochas Okorocha on his successful outing in the governorship election.
The governor’s congratulatory message to the governor-elect, headlined, “Imo must move on”, which he personally signed, also showed  he would not  challenge the election in court.

“The good people of Imo State have spoken. I congratulate my brother and friend, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha.

Two most important legacies, among other legacies, I want to leave to Imo State are democracy and peace”, Ohakim stated.

It was his considered opinion that “as a democrat, I allowed the process to go on, in spite of overwhelming contentious issues”, adding that as a lover of peace, he called for calm and rejected violence.

“The election has been keenly contested. Emotions ran high. The state has been polarized in the course of the election. I want to remind Imo people that we fought an election, not a war”, the Governor reasoned.

While reminding all that the task before Imo leaders is to move the state forward, Ohakim also pleaded that the process of healing must begin immediately.

“Every leader who loves this state must help heal the scars of the election. I appeal to all those who have issues with the election, particularly those whose logos were omitted on the ballot to consider sheathing their sword”, Ohakim pleaded.

He further told Okorocha that he would not wish his successor in office to suffer the distractions that were his lot for four years, stressing that Im is bigger than all of us”.

Ohakim equally promised that he will help his successor in every way possible to succeed, pointing out that Imo must move on and have peace.

“I thank Imo people for giving me the opportunity to serve them and for their support. In whatever capacity I find myself in future, I shall still serve Imo State with all my heart”, Ohakim promised.