By Michael Adesanya/Abeokuta
Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun has praised the decision of the Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, to dismiss the case brought before it by the candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, Abdulkabir Akinlade, against Abiodun and the APC over the result of the last governorship election.
In an unanimous decision, the Appeal court justices said the appeal “lacks merit and it is therefore struck out.”
Reading the lead judgment, Justice Muhammed Ambi-Usi Danjuma disclosed that the 10 grounds filed by the Allied Peoples Movement challenging the victory of Abiodun has no merit and that the two appellants – Akinlade and the APM – are overruled because of lack of merit.
The Governor described the victory as a triumph of truth and democracy, saying he remains testimony of God’s faithfulness.
His words: “Today’s victory is a triumph of truth and democracy. I give all the glory to the Almighty God, for I remain a testimony to his faithfulness”.
“We specially thank our team of lawyers led by Prof. Taiwo Osipitan for their exemplary professionalism, diligence and masterful delivery of points of law.”
He also appreciated the leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC), for their steadfastness and support.
“In addition we wish to express our sincere appreciation to the judiciary once again for playing its role as impartial arbiter with courage, fairness and candour.
“We are equally grateful for the solidarity and unwavering support of the APC faithfuls 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, the Governor said, has rekindled his administration’s drive to do more with its “Building Our Future Together’ agenda and every , hamlet, town or city will not be left out in the scheme of our inclusive development.”
Abiodun said: “Life is hinged on hope. Our Administration to the people has restored hope 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”, he said.
“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”.