Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has praised the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold his victory in the November 11, 2023, gubernatorial election.
The governor expressed his gratitude to the judiciary for its resilience in the face of what he described as threats and blackmail aimed at overturning the election results.
In a statement released by his media aide, Ismaila Isah, Governor Ododo commended the judiciary for standing firm on the rule of law and ignoring emotional appeals to ensure that justice was served.
He decried the several threats and blackmails by people he claimed were “bent on upturning the course of justice and the will of the majority of the people of Kogi.”
Governor Ododo also called on opposition parties to collaborate with his administration to foster development in the state.
The statement further quoted Ododo as praising the judiciary for “holding on to the point of law and withstanding emotional blackmail and threats so as to ensure that justice is served.”
“The judiciary was threatened and blackmailed, but it remained resolute and ignored emotions,” Ododo stated.
The governor said the victory was an affirmation of the wish of the people who trooped out on November 11, 2023, to vote for the APC.
Mr Ododo further stated, “The election was very transparent, fair, and credible, and it is the most peaceful election in the history of Kogi.
“It is time for everyone to discuss the affairs of our state. We all desire greatness. We must plan and work for it together.”
He assured the people of Kogi that his government would be marked by transparency, accountability, and a commitment to delivering good governance.
The apex court on Friday affirmed the victory of Mr Ododo and declared that the appeal by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Muritala Ajaka, had no merit.
The challengers had claimed that the election was characterised by irregularities and urged the tribunal to annul it.
They lost at the tribunal and moved to the appellate court, where they equally lost, before moving to the Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of Governor Ododo.
(NAN)
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