The Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, has commended the Supreme Court, describing it as the hope of the common man.
Governor Ododo also extended an olive branch to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Murtala Ajaka, and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dino Melaye, urging them to work together to move the state forward.
Addressing journalists at his residence in Abuja shortly after the Supreme Court ruling on Friday, Governor Ododo commended the Court for standing firm against intimidation and upholding the law in its judgment.
“I feel elated, not just because of our victory but because of how the judiciary upheld the law and ensured justice in this matter. The judiciary remains the last hope of the common man.
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“They were threatened, they were called names, they were intimidated, but they held firm to the law. This victory is not about me, but for the people who trooped out on November 11th last year to vote,” Ododo said.
When asked whether he had any doubts about the judgment before it was delivered, Governor Ododo expressed confidence, stating that he won the election and had nothing to fear.
“We won the election resoundingly. The election was conducted credibly and transparently. In the history of Kogi State, this was the most peaceful election.”
Regarding whether the litigation distracted him as governor, Ododo emphasized that his focus remained on serving the state, stating, “I was elected as the chief servant of the state to serve the people, and my team and I remain committed to the reason we were elected, so it has never distracted me.”
Speaking on the other candidates, he added, “We have always extended the olive branch to them to come and join us in moving Kogi State forward.
Kogi State remains our state, and we want to come together at the roundtable to discuss the affairs of the state. It is not a personal fight; it is a contestation to hold power on behalf of the people, to serve them.”
“It is not proper to stop a child from coming to his house; our philosophy is to build the APC to win elections.”
He added that the victory is dedicated to God Almighty and to President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening the judiciary to perform its duties without fear or favor.
TheWitness
