Ogun state governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has described his victory at the Court of Appeal in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital as “a triumph of truth and democracy”, saying he remains a testimony of God’s faithfulness.
The governor in a statement he personally signed in Abeokuta thanked the nation’s judiciary “for playing its role as impartial arbiter with courage, fairness and candour.”
The Allied People’s Movement (APM) and its governorship candidate, Hon. Adekunle Akinlade had filed a 20 ground appeal to challenge the judgement of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which was in favour of Abiodun and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Halilu Yusuuf had dismissed Akinlade and his party’s petition, challenging the victory of Governor Abiodun for want of evidence.
But Governor Abiodun in his reaction to the judgement, said, “We are equally grateful for the solidarity and unwavering support of the APC faithful across the 236 wards of our state and their Omoluwabi conduct throughout this tortuous journey to the land of total victory.
“May we also applaud the sincerity of all the other 80 parties that have, even before now, responded positively to our hands of fellowship. Like true sportsmen and women, they have continued to identify with our government and only last week passed their vote of confidence in us. We will continue to keep open the window of fellowship to all political actors and indeed all interest groups.
“This victory has rekindled our drive to do more in Building Our Future Together agenda and every village, hamlet, town or city will not be left out in the scheme of our inclusive development.
“Life is hinged on hope, our administration has restored hope to the people and we shall not relent until every citizen of the state attains individual prosperity whilst ensuring adequate security and putting the state on the path of sustainable development.
“Whilst thanking all the good people of Ogun state who have entrusted us with their mandate, again we remain committed to providing a focused and qualitative governance that will be inclusive, participatory, accountable, transparent, fair, just and equitable.
“The time has now come for all our adversaries to sheath their swords and join forces with our administration, if indeed the motive is to serve the good people of our dear state. The common goal is the economic development of Ogun state and individual prosperity of our citizens.
“Together, we can build a secure, purposeful and prosperous state. Let all of us join hands to build a better future and engender unity, peace, development, through good governance that Ogun has witnessed in the last five months of our Administration”, the governor said.
