…Tells Opponents To Support Gov Build State
The Kogi State Government has lauded the judiciary for affirming the victory of Governor Usman Ododo as duly elected governor of Kogi State.
It will be recalled that the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja, on Monday, affirmed Usman Ododo as the valid winner of the gubernatorial contest that was held in the state on November 11, 2023.
The Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu-led three-member panel dismissed the petition that was brought before it by the candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Murtala Ajaka.
Reacting to the judgment, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo commended the judiciary for the courage it has displayed.
The Comissioner said, “My reaction to the judgment is commendation to the judiciary for being courageous and standing by the truth. On November 11 2023, Kogites trooped out and their sole objective was to elect Ahmed Usman Ododo as their Governor and they did.
“The fact that our opponent went to court, we don’t have any problem with that. If they’ve gone to test the law, they’ve enriched the body of law. What has come out of this will also serve as precedent to future elections and future electoral litigations.
“We want to also congratulate them for testing the law, putting our democracy to the test. We’ve been able to come out triumphant. We’re not even jubilating over this considering what happened to our students who were killed, it’s something that calls for sober reflection. We’re still mourning as a state but we have to commend the judiciary for the courage, for doing justice to the case and for showing the world that in Nigeria justice always prevails. It’s quite commendable.
Fanwo while extending the olive branch to those on the other side, said, “Like we always say, the door of the administration of His Excellency Usman Ododo is always open, the opponents can join us. The only reason people vie for political office is to serve the people and now that the case has been decided at the tribunal I hope they’ll join hands with us to build a united Kogi State.
“We’re doing a lot already. In the face of the litigation the Governor was working hard every day as if there was no case in court because of his commitment to the people. The reason to vie is to serve the people of Kogi and he kept faith with that religiously and ensured that the people are served. Within the first 100 days he has done a lot. He touched the educational, health sectors, you saw the unbundling of the public sector, the health insurance scheme, one of the first in the country. You could see the road project from GYB junction, from the express to zone 8 is progressing because the government is funding that project heavily. You could see the magnitude of work at the Kogi State University in Kabba, these all show commitment of the present administration to ensure that educational infrastructure is well funded.
“It’s very good that he has focused on governance. A few days ago flagged off a lot of health programmes that would ensure that the people at the grassroots enjoy quality healthcare delivery,” the Commissioner added.
“As we speak, procurement is ongoing to revamp and upgrade 70 primary healthcare centres across the state. This will be a very big demonstration of commitment on the part of the governor and the people at the grassroots are already feeling the impact of good governance.
“The governor will continue to work very hard, opposition parties should join us. If you look at the appointments that were released recently you could see that what we have formed in Kogi State is a government of unity. All political parties are represented in that appointment and that shows that the era of politics is over.
“What the governor is saying is that this is the era of governance and politics won’t dwarf governance under his watch and people were brought from all walks of life. It doesn’t matter the party you belong to, Kogi State belongs to all of us, that is the policy and principle of the Governor and we’re very committed to good governance in the state under the leadership of our governor and leader Ahmed Usman Ododo,” he added.
- Coastal Highway Scandal: I’ve Been Vindicated, Atiku Says - October 16, 2025
- Nigeria, Austria Deepen Bilateral Economic Relations - October 16, 2025
- We’re Committed To Speedy Judicial Trial Of Waiting Inmates – FG - October 16, 2025