The Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Sunday, said that he is now relieved, following the Supreme Court judgment on the appeal filed against his March 18 victory by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Honourable Oladipupo Adebutu.
He described the election appeals from the tribunal, to Appeal Court and finally the Supreme Court as unnecessary distractions.
Abiodun who stated this at a thanksgiving service held at the St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu Remo, added that his administration would devote the remaining three and half years to work for the wellbeing of the people of the state.
The governor said the period preceding the court judgment was a great distraction, which he had put behind.
He said: “Although this period has brought a lot of distractions, I am relieved it is now behind us, allowing us to fully focus on our unwavering commitment to lead Ogun State to new heights and make it a shining example among not just Nigerian states, but other states in Africa.
“With just three years and four months remaining in our term, we are determined to implement the rest of our sustainable legacies that will create jobs, foster individual prosperity and promote the well-being and welfare of all our citizens.”
He said his administration had made Ogun one of the two most resilient states in Nigeria by achieving significant economic improvement in four years.
“We are now number two state in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). This means we can afford to build more roads and more houses. We can also afford to build more schools and do more people-oriented projects across the state,” he said.
While thanking the people for their support and prayers during what he described as trying period, the governor hinted that his government would soon launch a number of ground-breaking initiatives and projects that would have direct impact on the wellbeing of the people.
Abiodun appreciated President Bola Tinubu for standing by him, through thick and thin, as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC) for believing in him, saying their unflinching support contributed to the court victory.
“I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose unwavering support for me since 2018 has been the bedrock of my journey. I remember his words when I won my election in 2019. He said Dapo, this victory is sweeter than honey and he continues to resonate with me.
“I will also like to express my gratitude to the noble jurists of the Supreme Court led by the noble Chief Justice of Nigeria and the panel chair for upholding the rule of law and displaying utmost transparency and diligence in affirming our victory,” he added.
In his sermon, the Bishop of Remo Diocese, Anglican Communion, the Most Reverend Olusina Fape, while congratulating Governor Abiodun, urged him not to take the victory for granted but remain focus and serve the people even better during his second term in office.
Speaking on the topic: “God who has begun a good work will complete it” and taking his text from Philippians 1:3 to 6, the Bishop noted that the governor did well in his first term by touching every parts of the State with developmental projects through the ISEYA mantra.
He urged him not to dwell on the success of the past four years but strive to surpass it so that he would be celebrated at the end of his administration.
According to Bishop Fape, the affordable houses, good road networks, and the airport, which has put the state on the world map of air travels, are highly commendable.
While praying for the success of the second term, the Bishop charged Governor Abiodun not to be distracted but remain focused as there is still a lot of ground to cover.
He urged the governor to avoid in-flighting with political gladiators but depend on God for a good successor who would carry on from where he stopped.
The service was attended by past governors, deputy governors, political stalwarts, members of trade associations, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and captains of industries, among others.
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