Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi applauded the Supreme Court verdict that upheld his victory in the November 11 governorship poll on Saturday.

Mr Ododo also pledged to deliver good governance to the North-Central state, promising transparency and accountability.

In a statement by his media aide, Ismaila Isah, the governor praised the judiciary for rising to the occasion and asserting its position as the last hope of the common man.

He decried the several threats and blackmails by people he claimed were “bent on upturning the course of justice and the will of the majority of the people of Kogi.”

The governor called on opposition parties to join hands with his administration to bring development to Kogi.

The statement further quoted Mr Ododo as praising the judiciary for “holding on to the point of law and withstanding emotional blackmail and threats so as to ensure that justice is served.”

“The judiciary was threatened and blackmailed, but it remained resolute and ignored emotions,” Mr Ododo said.

The governor said the victory was an affirmation of the wish of the people who trooped out on November 11, 2023, to vote for the APC.

“The election was very transparent, fair, and credible, and it is the most peaceful election in the history of Kogi.

“It is time for everyone to discuss the affairs of our state. We all desire greatness. We must plan and work for it together,” Mr Ododo was further quoted as saying.

Mr Ododo promised to serve the people with the fear of God, assuring Kogi residents that his team members would redouble their efforts to achieve results.

The apex court on Friday affirmed the victory of Mr Ododo and declared that the appeal by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Muritala Ajaka, had no merit.

The challengers had claimed that the election was characterised by irregularities and urged the tribunal to annul it.

They lost at the tribunal and moved to the appellate court, where they equally lost, before moving to the Supreme Court, which favoured Mr Ododo.

(NAN)