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Jubilation erupted spontaneously in major towns of Umuahia and Aba on Wednesday after INEC declared Alex Otti of the Labour Party the winner of March 18 governorship election.
The jubilant residents of the two cities danced round the major streets and made bonfire on roads.
Fireworks of various kinds also sparkled in the sky as part of the celebration.
Tricycle operators trooped to the streets driving hysterically in celebration of Mr Otti’s victory.
Drinks were freely offered to people on the streets, in shops and relaxation spots in the cities.
It was also learnt that Arochukwu and Ohafia, the hometowns of the governor-elect and Deputy Governor-elect Ikechukwu Eletu, respectively, were also in celebration mood.
The people chanted different songs, thanking God for the end of PDP’s 24 years of “misrule.”
A cross-section of the people said they were celebrating the fall of PDP in Abia and emergence of a new dawn.
The chairman of the Civil Liberties Organisation in Abia, Charles Chinekezi, said he was happy that the votes of Abia people could count in the election.
He said Mr Otti’s government would change the narrative and put an end to the era of non-payment of workers’ salaries, multiple taxation and unfulfilled promises.
“With Otti’s record of achievements, Abia people are sure to have a new lease of life,” he said.
A businessman in Aba, Michael Mba, said he was happy because Abia would witness sustainable development with Mr Otti in the saddle.
Also, Nneka Onyegbula, said Mr Otti’s government would surpass the performance of the outgoing administration of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
Ms Onyegbula said she was happy because Abia would experience greater transformation under Mr Otti.
She urged Abia residents “to join hands with the new government to deliver the expected result.”
Sandra Okechi said her joy was informed by her belief that Mr Otti’s administration would enthrone an all-round development in infrastructure, social amenities, health, education and regular payment of salaries to the civil servants.
She added that she was eager to see how a new party in power in Abia would impact the lives of the people.
“This is why I am excited about Otti and Labour Party’s victory,” Ms Okechi said.
Nkiruka Godwin, seen dancing in the market alongside other women when the news of Mr Otti’s victory broke out, said she was hopeful that a new government would alleviate “the pain inflicted on us in the last eight years.”
Ms Godwin also said she believed that Mr Otti would run a people-oriented government that would end the exploitation of traders in Aba.
(NAN)
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