The immediate past Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, has been sworn in as a senator.
He represents Imo West Senatorial District.
The swearing in was conducted by the Clerk to the Senate, Nelson Ayewoh, after which Okorocha signed the documents required.
The swearing in took place at the plenary chaired by Senate President Ahmed Lawan.
It would be recalled that INEC had until Tuesday withheld his Certificate of Return owing to alleged violation of the rule by forcing the Returning Officer of his election to announce him as winner.
INEC however issued the document to him on Tuesday following a court order to that effect.
An excited Okorocha spoke on the development when he was issued the certificate on Tuesday.
His words: “At exactly 6.14 pm, this evening, after the inauguration of the 9th assembly, I was invited to collect my certificate and I have just come to collect it.
“I take it to be God’s time. I believe that justice delayed is justice denied, but all the same for the sake of our nation, I accepted it.”
He spoke further: “I also want to thank INEC for taking this bold step against all odds by issuing my certificate of return, which goes a long way to confirming that the allegation of duress is unfounded by a delay tactic by my detractors to slow down the process.
“I believe this is God’s time and I take it as God’s time. I am happy that finally the matter is resolved.”
However, the battle may not be over yet as INEC had vowed to challenge the order of the court to issue the certificate of return to Okorocha.
INEC maintained that the order was wrong.
