By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
The Permanent Member 11, Kogi State Hajj Commission, Imam Yahya Abibilat, has congratulated the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo; his Deputy, Salifu Joel Oyibo and the entire good people of Kogi State, over the Supreme Court judgement yesterday that upheld their victory in the Saturday, 11th November 2023 Gubernatorial Election in the state.
In a statement issued to newsmen, Abibilat described the Supreme Court ruling as victory for democracy in Kogi State, as it upheld the divine mandate initially given to the current leadership in the State by the generality of the electorate in the last elections.
Abibilat, who is also the Chief Imam of Kutepa Juma’at Mosque added that now that all issues regarding the last gubernatorial election in Kogi State have been finally laid to rest, it was time for Ododo to focus on the full-scale governance of the State.
“Although I know that Ododo had not really been distracted by the court proceedings, as his commitment to the governance of Kogi State under his administration has never wavered or assumed the back seat. In fact, governance in Kogi State has undeniably assumed a new unprecedented pedestal under the current leadership of Ododo.
“Salaries, pensions and other entitlements of government workers which had hitherto been a mirage in Kogi State, are now being paid regularly. The state is equally witnessing robust investments in road, water, electricity and rural infrastructure, while formidable partnerships are being brokered consistently with both local and foreign investors towards fast-tracking the socio-economic development of the state.
“The leadership of Ododo has brought much relief to the Kogi State people in the last few months. But with the favourable judgement of the Supreme Court yesterday, the governor can now settle down to consolidate his efforts towards facilitating the full recovery of the state’s economy, to pave the way for his ongoing reforms to gain sufficient traction before the end of his first term in office.
“Furthermore, with yesterday’s ruling, it is expected of all sincere political actors in the state to close ranks and work in synergy and harmony, towards supporting Ododo’s Strategic Development Plan for a Greater Kogi,” stated Abibilat.
The Permanent Member 11, therefore enjoined all political and apolitical actors alike in the state, to rally round Gov. Ododo, as the time for politics in the current dispensation was over, and it’s now strictly time to advance the people-centred governance which Ododo has commenced in the state.
“On behalf of my family and friends, I once again congratulate the people’s Governor of Kogi State and all the good people of the State, over their collective victory yesterday at the Supreme Court.
“I humbly appeal to all Kogites to continue to lift the State Governor and his Deputy in prayers before the Almighty for divine wisdom, protection and wellbeing. I also urge all Kogi citizens to commit themselves to supporting the laudable initiatives of the current administration in the state, and to gladly contribute their meaningful quotas in any capacity, towards the state’s development,” Abibilat stressed.
