The chairman, Ebira Avaibe Association in Lokoja, Hon. Musa Akaba ( right) and another prominent member, Alhaji Usman Obansa,celebrating the victory of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo at the Supreme Court on Friday, breaking Kola nut.
Both men,on behalf of the association,expressed joy over the outcome of the apex court verdict and prayed for the success of Ododo’s administration.
The Supreme Court has confirmed Usman Ododo’s victory in the November 11, 2023, governorship election for Kogi State, dismissing the appeal from Muri Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
In a landmark judgement, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has affirmed Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo as the duly elected Governor of Kogi State.
In a decisive judgment delivered on Friday, the apex court dismissed the appeal filed by Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Justice Garba Lawal, delivering the lead judgment, ruled that the appeal lacked merit and constituted a gross abuse of court process.
The apex court also dismissed the appeal filed by the candidate of Action Alliance.
Regarding the respondent’s appeal challenging the date of filing of the appellant’s notice of appeal on 26/07/2024, the court held that the appellant cannot rely on the Interpretation Act to justify filing out of time.
Consequently, the court found the appeal to be incompetent and dismissed it. Additionally, the court imposed a fine of N5,000,000 in favor of the respondent.
The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision upheld the earlier rulings of both the Court of Appeal and the Election Petition Tribunal.
Engr. Prof. Abdulrahaman Asipita Salawu, Vice Chancellor Confluence University of Science Technology Osara said, the apex court has given a positive nod to ride on powerfully to run the affairs of Kogi State for the betterment of all. Truth be told, your emergence is a pointer that politics today is tilting towards meritocracy and we are more than glad that a cherished specie like you is ruling our dear state in our days.
He said as characteristic of the governor, he strongly believe that Ododo would be magnanimous in victory by making concrete moves towards embracing an all inclusive governance as may be necessary.
Prof. Salawu said, “The loyalty of CUSTECH, as an institution, will remain unalloyed and will remain eternally grateful to the administration of His Excellency, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo for the continuous patting on the back the institution is receiving judging from the developmental strides coming from government that is noticeable.”
The Vice Chancellor committed Governor Ododo into God’s hands saying.
“It is my earnest prayers that God Almighty will continue to consider you as part of those He has destined to always have an edge of victory in anything good you desire in this world. Amen,”he added.
Comrade Rajan Suleiman, in an interview with our correspondent before the judgment, emphasized that the key issue is not who wins the case but who can provide Kogites with good governance.
He noted that Governor Ododo has already begun delivering good governance.
Also,the Management, Academic Board, staff, and students of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has extended their heartfelt congratulations to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, on the Supreme Court of Nigeria’s reaffirmation of his mandate.
This is contained in a statement signed by Prof. Salisu O. Usmàn, Rector of the polytechnic and available a copy to The Reporters in on Lokoja on Friday.
The Rector said:”Our warmest congratulations also go to His Excellency, Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo, the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, as well as all elected and appointed party stalwarts and supporters of the Continuity and Consolidation Administration on this well-deserved victory.
“The Supreme Court’s ruling reaffirms the will of the people of Kogi State, as expressed on November 11, 2023, and solidifies the mandate previously confirmed by the electoral petition tribunal and the appeal court.
“With the distractions now behind us, we are confident that your notable performance, recognized throughout the State, will lead to a historic transformation of our beloved State.
“We pray that God continues to guide and protect you as you work to provide exemplary governance.”
