By Dayo Omoogun Rt.Hon Emeka Ihedioha who until Tuesday was the governor of Imo State, has reacted to the quashing of his mandate by the Supreme Court, saying it came as a rude shock. “No doubt, yesterday’s Supreme Court verdict, came to us as a rude shock and surprise considering the facts on ground, legal precedence and clear verdict of Imo People on March 9 2019, that returned me as Governor with the highest valid votes of 273,404.” Continuing in the statement he put out Wednesday, Ihedioha was categorical in expressing his disagreement with the verdict of the apex court: “I do not agree with the judgement of the Supreme Court. I think it is unfair, unjust and does not reflect the voting that took place during the elections. It also didn’t take care of the sensibilities of the people of Imo State. “ However, according to him, “as true democrats, Engr Gerald Irona and I have no option but to respect the outcome of that judgement” adding that he has put machinery in motion to hand over power to the incoming governor Senator Hope Uzodinma. While thanking God and Imo people for the opportunity to serve as well as the solidarity and goodwill he and his colleagues enjoyed while in office, he recalled gleefully his administration’s Splans and achievements. “I thank you all for your support which saw us achieve so much and reversed the negative trajectory of Imo State within a space of seven months. It is significant to note that Imo State was looking good again. We were declared the least corrupt State in the Country, the fastest state growing economy in Nigeria and the most improved, in terms of the deployment of Information Technology in service delivery. Our infrastructure was significantly coming to life, civil servants and pensioners were now being paid as and when due and optimism returned to Imo State. It is on record that we were acclaimed as the most sports and diaspora friendly state. Most importantly we returned life and activities to our local governments. Yes we had good plans to make Imo the centre piece of commerce, industry, technology, tourism by providing good leadership and first class infrastructure. Under our watch, Imo became safe with our systematic approach to securing lives and property.” Ihedioha directed all members of his Expanded Executive Committee and all political appointees to write their handing-over notes and return all government property in their custody forthwith. He warned that “ I shall not be party to pilfering of government property or funds.” The ex-governor called on all Imolites, especially his supporters to keep the peace and to shun any action that could lead to a breach of the peace. Further, he enjoined them to support the incoming governor the way they supported him.