Today, the Appeal Court affirmed my victory as the duly elected member representing the good and loving people of Ado/ Okpokwu/ Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. The Appellate Court’s ruling brings to an end months of uncertainty, intrusion and apprehension. It has also ushered in another phase.
Read Also: APPEAL COURT AFFIRMS AGBESE’S VICTORY
But first, we must seek common ground, not hostility. Partnership, not conflict. Love, not hate. Progress, not division. Development, not retrogression. It is time to bind the wounds of division and come together as one united people. It is time to work together to unify Enone and bring the change we envision.
It is time to get to work. We received the overwhelming votes of our people for a reason and it is time to fulfill our mandate. We have pledged to make Enone better. We vowed to improve infrastructures. We promised peace, security and development. My people, it is time.
I would like to take this moment to congratulate us all for this historic feat. We are all winners. I wish to thank my supporters, family, party members and leaders especially my ever-reliable campaign council led by Hon. Julie Obetta and Hon. Benson Audu as well as my indefectible legal team.
I must acknowledge my senior brother Hon. Ralph Odoh, the candidate of the Labour Party who opted against pursuing his case at the Appeal Court for the greater good of our people. He is the real hero. I also want to thank Hon. Prince Onuh, the Chairman Emeritus of Ogbadibo Local Government. He is a gentleman I respect so much for his courage and love of democracy.
Special mention must go to the former Senate President, Senator Ameh Ebute, Chief Audu Ogbeh, former Minister and Chief (Barr) John A. A. Ochoga. They nurtured this victory and indeed the victory has come. I wish to thank my father, Chief Dan Agbese for his love and encouragement, Amb Moses Oriri, Hon. Chief Ekpe Ogbu, Hon. Solomon Aboh and others too numerous to mention in print.
I owe a debt of gratitude to the Speaker and his deputy for their support and prayers throughout this tortious journey. I must acknowledge my colleagues in the House of Representatives who stood by me including my darling sister, Hon. Mrs Blessing Onuh and Hon. Dickson Tarkighir.
I want to end with this Bible Scripture, Ecclesiastes 3:11 which says in part: “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens”. My dear people, the time for unity, peace, progress and prosperity is here! Let’s embrace it.
Chief (Dr.) Philip Agbese, MHR, LLB (UK), LLM (UK), MBA (UK)
The Member representing Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency/ Deputy Spokesman, 10th Assembly
03/11/2023
