By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, has declared that his recent victory at the Supreme Court is not about him, but for the people who voted him into power.
Reacting to the judgment, Governor Ododo stated, “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. They were threatened, called names, and intimidated, yet they held firmly to the rule of law.”
In a release by the Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, the governor called on Senator Dino Melaye, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 governorship election, to work with him to move the state forward.
Governor Ododo also extended an olive branch to other opposition parties and their candidates in the state, particularly Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
“We have always extended the olive branch to them to join us in moving Kogi forward. Kogi is our state, and we should come together to discuss its affairs. This is not a personal fight; it is a contest to hold power on behalf of the people and to serve them.”
“It is not right to prevent anyone from returning to their own house. Our philosophy is to strengthen the APC and win elections,” Ododo said.
Addressing journalists in Abuja after the judgment on Friday, Ododo commended the apex court for resisting intimidation and upholding the will of the people of Kogi State.
“The election was conducted credibly and transparently. In the history of Kogi, it was the most peaceful election, and we won,” he said. Ododo added that despite the litigation, his team was not distracted from delivering good governance to the people of Kogi.
“I was elected as the chief servant of the state to serve the people, and as such, my team and I remain committed to the reasons why we were elected. We have never been distracted,” he concluded.
