Appeal Court Judgment: Why I congratulated Uroye, Emiko explains

Prince Stanley Oritsemolebi Emiko, the All Progressives Congress, APC Candidate for Warri South Constituency 1 in the last general elections, is a foremost player in the entertainment industry across Delta State and beyond.

In this exclusive chat with Fresh Angle International, shortly after the Appeal Court in Benin City, Edo State, affirmed INEC’s declaration of Dr. Augustine Uroye as winner of the Warri South Constituency 1 seat in the last general election, Prince Stanley Emiko, explained why he congratulated Dr. Uroye and his strong believe that 2023 is not going to be business as usual for PDP in Delta State.

Excerpts:

How would you describe the Appeal Court judgment that affirmed the victory of Dr. Augustine Uroye, considering your extensive and peaceful campaign leading to the last election?

Although, I have my reservations, but I can only say, it is unfortunate that he was declared winner or victorious, but that is not enough for me to disrespect or disobey the judgment of a competent Appeal Court. And yes, we worked very hard, but God knows best.

You congratulated Dr. Augustine Uroye, immediately after the Appeal Court judgment, what informed that decision?

The judgment of course. And apart from the fact that, it shows political maturity or rightness, I had to congratulate him, because I believe in the rule of law and that was the reason I went to the tribunal in the first place.

What would you say you picked from the entire legal struggle, right from the tribunal to the Appeal Court?

A lot was learned from the processes, but one thing I have come to know for sure is that, no matter how certain you are on an issue, always prepare for the worse, it’s the only way to keep your head up.

Do you think APC as a political party has done enough to upstage PDP in Warri Federal Constituency in particular and Delta South in general?

Not until we (APC) as a party are seen to be in charge of the affairs of the State Assemblies, Federal Constituency and Senatorial district, I will say, we have not done well, but from the last general election, I can tell you that 2023 is not going to be business as usual for the ruling party of the State.

People are of the view that Itsekiris in APC have not gotten good reward from the party at the federal level. What's your take on that?

Though I have my reservations on this too and I also cannot deny the fact that the insinuations of the people are correct. 

As a tribe, most especially those of us in the ruling party (APC) worked tirelessly to see that PMB got more than the 25% expected votes from our own end and as such, deserves to be rewarded not only by appointment, but also with good developmental projects.

This second tenure of PMB (President Muhammadu Buhari) just got started and I believe a lot can still be achieved. Hence, I would want to urge our Itsekiri APC members to start thinking beyond the box and push out limitlessly. If we don't desire and pursue what we deserve in unity, we shall continue to lose out. 

What's the next direction for you, since the legal route of pursuing your perceived mandate is over?

Firstly, the issue of the Warri South 1, 2019 DTHA is forgone for me, even contesting for same position in 2023 is not in my plans too, except God says or declares otherwise.

My major aim and focus now, is how I can influence and bring visible developments from the Federal Government to my people, as I must not be a member of the House of Assembly before I can bring the dividends of democracy to my people.

My team and I are already working on the best way to go in terms of keying into the "Next Level" agenda of Mr. President (PMB) and bringing them in reality to our people.

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