THE former Governor of Imo State, Rocha Okorocha, on Thursday has been sworn in as Senator representing Imo West district.

He was sworn in by the newly elected Senate President, Ahmed Lawan.

Okorocha was earlier denied access into the National Assembly complex on Tuesday during the inauguration of senators, owing to a court order restraining the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) from issuing a Certificate of Return to him.

He was alleged to have been declared winner under duress, a report quoting the returning officer.

The federal high court on Wednesday had given a final verdict on the case, asking the INEC to issue Okorocha a Certificate of Return as senator-elect representing Imo west.

Okorocha on his part, through his media aide, appreciated the INEC for issuing him the certificate at last. He also thanked the returning officer for declaring him a winner “under duress”, saying such an act has rather attracted to him public sympathy.