By Rotimi Odofin
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has expressed his appreciation for the recent decision by the Supreme Court, which upheld his victory as the duly elected Governor of Kogi State.
In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling, Governor Ododo commended the judiciary for upholding justice and standing firm against threats and attempts to manipulate the course of justice. He acknowledged the judiciary as a last resort for the common man, emphasizing the importance of its role in upholding the people’s will.
Governor Ododo also extended his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support and called upon opposition party leaders in the state to collaborate with his administration in delivering more benefits of democracy to the people of Kogi State.
Encouraging his supporters and members of the All Progressives Congress to exhibit grace and magnanimity in celebrating the party’s victory, Governor Ododo emphasized that his triumph was a result of divine intervention. He described the November 11 Governorship election as a peaceful contest among individuals vying to serve the people of Kogi State.
Governor Ododo highlighted the transparency, fairness, and credibility of the election, noting it as the most peaceful in the state’s history. He urged opposition parties to unite with his administration in advancing the progress of Kogi State.
In Governor Ododo’s words: “I am delighted by our victory and the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law despite external pressures. This victory is not just mine but a testament to the people who voted for us on November 11, 2023. Let us move forward together to bring positive change to Kogi State.”
“I call on our brothers in the opposition parties to come and join me to move Kogi State forward.
“It is now time for all of us to come together and discuss the affairs of our state towards achieving the greatness that we all wish for Kogi State.”
He promised to continue to serve the people with dedication and the fear of God, assuring that members of his team will redouble efforts to bring forth creativity in delivering dividends of democracy to the people of the state.
On Friday, the Supreme Court affirmed the victory of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Nov. 11, 2023 governorship election held in Kogi State.
In a landmark judgment, a five-member panel of the apex court held that the appeal by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Muritala Ajaka, was without merit and was therefore dismissed.
