The Deputy Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Comfort Ojoma Nwuchiola Egwaba, has said that the victory of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo at the Appeal Court on his election is an indication of the divine mandate of the Governor. It is also a sign of victory for democracy.
The Appeal Court had upheld the verdict of the Election Petition Tribunal declaring Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo the duly elected Governor of Kogi State.
Candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, had challenged the November 11 2023 governorship election in Kogi State alleging irregularities. But the Tribunal dismissed the allegations for lack of evidence and inconsistencies in witnessing.
Dissatisfied with the Tribunal ruling, Ajaka took to the Appeal Court seeking reversal of the ruling and asking that he be declared winner of the election. The Appeal court again dismissed Ajaka’s plea and affirmed the victory of Ahmed Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
In a congratulatory letter signed by the Deputy Speaker and made available to the press, the Rt Hon Comfort Nwuchiola maintained that the Appeal Court ruling in favour of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo was in line with the people’s popular choice.
“I use this opportunity to state the unwavering loyalty, support and prayers of my humble self and the good people of Ibaji Local Government”, she said.
The Deputy Speaker also expressed the support of the State House of Assembly for the people-oriented policies and programmes of the Governor and prayed God to grant him more wisdom with which to pilot the affairs of the state.