Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has urged the gubernatorial candidates of political parties in Abia not to distract Governor-elect Alex Otti with court cases.

Mr Ikpeazu said this on Wednesday in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Onyebuchi Ememanka.

He called on Abia people and members of political parties in the state to give the governor-elect an enabling environment to run the affairs of state from May 29.

“Having myself spent about three and half years in different courts and having experienced first hand, the distraction such cases can cause a leader, I appeal to every candidate in this election not to distract the incoming administration with court cases, so that they will settle down and deal with the very demanding business of governance,” said the incumbent governor.

Mr Ikpeazu added, “Let us break this negative trend of subjecting our governors to endless litigations and allow them to concentrate on providing good governance.”

The governor commended Mr Otti for his doggedness, adding that he fought a long battle over a long period of time and deserved commendation for his staying power and resilience.

Mr Ikpeazu said, “Since we have come to the logical end of this battle, it is appropriate to congratulate the winner, Dr Alex Otti on his hard fought victory. In every battle, there will always be a winner and in the spirit of sportsmanship and love for our state, the governor-elect must see his victory as a higher call to service to the people of Abia state.”

He congratulated other candidates who took part in the election, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party’s gubernatorial candidate, Okey Ahiwe, for their doggedness.

Mr Ikpeazu expressed his resolve to put in place necessary measures to ensure a seamless transition from the present administration to incoming administration.

Mr Ikpeazu charged the residents to give the governor-elect the necessary support that will enable him to succeed.

(NAN)