Kogi Governor Usman Ododo Hails Supreme Court Ruling, Urges State Unity

Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision affirming his election victory as the legitimate Governor of Kogi State.

In a statement released on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Isah, Ododo praised the judiciary for its role in upholding justice amidst attempts to undermine it. The statement read, “Governor Ododo praised the judiciary for rising to the occasion and for asserting its position as the last hope of the common man despite several threats and blackmail by those who were bent on upturning the course of justice and the will of the majority of the people of Kogi State.”

Ododo also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support and called on opposition leaders in Kogi State to collaborate with his administration to deliver more democratic benefits to the people.

He urged his supporters and All Progressives Congress (APC) members to celebrate the Supreme Court ruling with dignity. Ododo described his victory as a divine act and emphasized that the election was a contest among family members to serve the people of the state.

“I feel elated about our victory and how the judiciary held on to the point of law and stayed away from emotional blackmail and threats to ensure justice is served,” Ododo said. He added, “The judiciary was threatened and blackmailed but they remained resolute and ignored emotions.”

“The victory is not all about me. It is about the people who trouped out on November 11, 2023, to vote for us and we won the election resoundingly. The election was very transparent, fair, credible and it was the most peaceful election in the history of our state.”

Ododo extended an invitation to opposition parties to join forces with him to advance Kogi State. “It is now time for all of us to come together and discuss the affairs of our state towards achieving the greatness that we all wish for Kogi State,” he said.

He assured continued dedication to serving the people with integrity and vowed that his administration would work creatively to provide democratic dividends.

The Supreme Court had affirmed Ododo’s victory in the November 11, 2023, governorship election. In a landmark ruling, the five-member panel dismissed the appeal by the Social Democratic Party and its candidate, Muritala Ajaka, deeming it without merit.