Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has urged Senator Dino Melaye, candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 governorship election held in the State to work with him to move the State forward.
Governor Ododo also extended the olive branch to other opposition parties and their candidates in the State, especially Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
“We have always extended the olive branch to them to join us to move Kogi forward. Kogi remains our state, and we want to come together to discuss the affairs of the state. It is not a personal fight; it is a contestation to hold power on behalf of the people, to serve them. It is not proper to stop a child from coming to his house. Our philosophy is to build the APC to win the election,” Ododo said.
The Kogi Governor also commended the Supreme Court judgement which affirmed his election as governor of the state, describing the court as the last hope of the common man. Ododo, while addressing journalists in Abuja after the judgment on Friday, commended the apex court for withstanding intimidation and upholding the wish of the people of the state.
“I feel elated not just because of our victory but about how the judiciary held onto the point of law and ensured justice in this matter. The judiciary remains the last hope of the common man. They were threatened, they were called names, they were intimidated, but they have held onto the point of law. This victory is not about me but for the people who trooped out on Nov. 11, 2023 to vote,” Ododo said.
He also dedicated his victory to God Almighty and President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening the judiciary to perform its duties without fear or favour. Fielding questions from journalists on his expectation before the judgment, Ododo said there was nothing to be afraid of because he won the election.
“The election was conducted credibly and transparently. In the history of Kogi, it was the most peaceful election, and we won,” he said. Ododo added that in spite of the litigation, his team was not distracted from delivering good governance to the people of Kogi.
“I was elected as the chief servant of the state to serve the people, and as such, my team and I remain committed to the reason why we were elected, so it has never distracted me,” he said.
