- President urges Osun people’s support for governor
By Banji Ayoola
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday praised the nation’s judiciary for what he described as its important role in deepening rule of law and democracy.
Besides, he urged the people of Osun State, especially the political class, to support Governor Ademola Adeleke for the success and prosperity of all.
He spoke while reacting to the validation of the governor’s victory in the July 16, 2022 governorship election in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.
According to the statement: “With the final decision by the Court, the President reminds the political class and their supporters that the main task at hand is to make the people feel the impact of good governance, where a prosperous, peaceful and stable Osun is guaranteed.
“He, therefore, urges all citizens and residents of the state to give the government of Senator Ademola Adeleke all the support it needs to ensure that programmes, policies, plans and aspirations fashioned to make individuals and businesses flourish succeed.
“Elections should be seen as the path to an end, which is the progress of the people in a peaceful environment, rather than unending bickering. This is the time for inclusion and harmony in the State at the end of litigation.”
In his reaction, the Presidential candidate of the PDP Atiku Abubakar said the BVAS has come to stay as a legal instrument for the accreditation and transmission of election results in the country.
Congratulating the people of Osun State on the affirmation of Adeleke’s victory, Atiku said the introduction of technology in the conduct of elections is progress that cannot be reversed.
He said: “We are all witnesses to the copious references to the BVAS technology in coming up with this judgement. The law governing our elections has truly brought power to the people, and those power-mongering politicians who believe they can subvert the inherent power of democracy now have their hopes dashed.”
To Adeleke, he said: “Your journey to this accomplishment has been characterised by tenacity and a staunch belief in the democratic process. Your success at the Supreme Court reaffirms the robustness of our judiciary and the strength of democracy in our nation. I wish you success in your endeavours as you continue to lead Osun into a promising future.”
Former Senate president Bukola Saraki described the victory as ‘a triumph for democracy and the people of Osun State. I congratulate my dear brother Governor Ademola Adeleke and our party on this victory.”
In its reaction, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said the judgment ‘is a confirmation of our party’s popularity in Nigeria and commitment to nation-building. Congratulations to him, the people of Osun and the entire PDP family.”
In a statement by the its national spokesman, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the party said: “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, over his victory at the Supreme Court which upheld his election as the duly elected Governor of the State at the July 16, 2022 Governorship poll.
“The verdict of the Supreme Court, the highest court in our Country serves as the ultimate triumph of the Will of the people of Osun State as expressed at the Polling Units, in their resolve to free their State from oppressive, retrogressive and anti-people forces.
“The judgment of the Supreme Court has further restored the confidence Nigerians repose in the institution of the Judiciary and the hope for the sustenance of democracy in our country.
“The PDP commends the Supreme Court for its courage in upholding justice and reaffirming the saying that “the Judiciary is the last hope of the common man.
“Our Party congratulates the good people of Osun State and restate its charge to Governor Adeleke to continue in his stride to reposition and rebuild the State in line with the people-oriented policies, programmes and manifesto of the PDP.”
Also, Osun state chapter of the PDP applauded the judgment.
The party’s spokeperson in the state, Oladele Olabamiji, said the Supreme Court had upheld the wish and mandate of the electorate.
He said: “We thank God and specially the good people of Osun for standing by their resolve to elect Senator Adeleke of the PDP as the governor of the state.
“It is not good enough to hijack the popular mandate of the people through the courts.
“Elections should be won at the polling units and that is what the Supreme Court has just done to the Osun election matter,’’ he said.
Olabamiji said the people of Osun should look forward to enjoying the dividends of democracy as Adeleke settles down in office fully.
Also reacting to the court’s decision, Teslim Igbalaye, Secretary to the State Government, applauded the judgment and thanked the Lord for the victory.
Igbalaye said the people of Osun should expect quality governance from the PDP and from Mr Adeleke, now that election litigation was over.
Also, the Ondo State chapter of the party described the victory as a well deserved recognition by the apex court of Adeleke’s “tireless efforts to improve the lives of the people of Osun State.”
In a statement by the party’s State publicity secretary, My Kennedy Peretei, the party told Adeleke: “Your leadership, vision, and integrity have earned you the respect and admiration of the people of Osun State and beyond.”
According to the statement: “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ondo State Chapter, congratulates Senator Ademola Adeleke on the verdict of the Supreme Court, that affirmed the wishes of the people as the validly elected Governor of Osun State on 16th July, 2022.
“Our party rejoices with the government and people of Osun on this landmark judgment that has put a seal on the authority of the people-friendly administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke in Osun State.
“It is a momentous occasion and a testament to your hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving the people of Osun State.
“Your victory at the Supreme Court is a well-deserved recognition of your tireless efforts to improve the lives of the people of Osun State. Your leadership, vision, and integrity have earned you the respect and admiration of the people of Osun State and beyond.
“As you continue in office as the governor of Osun State, we are confident that you will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the people of Osun State receive the best possible governance. Your commitment to improving the lives of the people of Osun State is an inspiration to us all, and we have no doubt that you will continue to serve with distinction.
“Once again, congratulations on your well-deserved victory. May your tenure as the governor of Osun State be marked by progress, prosperity, and peace.”
Also in Lagos State, the PDP spokesperson, Hakeem Amode, told NAN that the chapter was elated that the Supreme Court reaffirmed the mandate given to Adeleke at the election.
He said the apex court’s ruling had put an end to the legal battles and would allow Mr Adeleke face the task of delivering dividends of democracy to the door steps of Osun residents.
Amode said: “The leadership of the Lagos state PDP and our gubernatorial candidate, Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (JANDOR) and members of our party heartily rejoice with Adeleke on his victory at the Supreme Court.
“It is heartwarming and morale boosters for our party in the ongoing various cases at the election petition tribunals all over the country, including Lagos state.
“We are looking forward to getting justice in all our court cases across the country.
“If our judiciary will look at various cases on its merit and be consistent in justice dispensation, hope will be rekindled and our democracy will be deepened.
“Justice should not be for sale, it should not be for highest bidders. All election cases must be considered on their merit and adjudicated impartially.”
Commending the judiciary, he said judges were expected to be above board without being intimidated or influenced by corrupt politicians in any matter before them.
According to him, the judiciary is expected to be the hope of the people, “but what happens nowadays in our clime worries so many people.
“Our society is what it is today because of the compromise in our justice system.
“The only way our society can be saner and compete favourably with the western world is when evil people, no matter their influence and affluence, power and position, can no longer evade justice in the law court.
“We are happy with this judgment and wish justice will be rightly dispensed in all cases of electoral frauds in the just-concluded general elections.”
On their own, former Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki and the serving governor of Taraba state, Darius Ishaku also congratulated Adeleke.
Saraki tweeted: “Today’s Supreme Court ruling in favour of @AAdeleke_01 is a triumph for democracy and the people of Osun State.
Ishaku tweeted: “I congratulate my dear brother Governor Ademola Adeleke and our party on this victory! #PowerToThePeople.”
“Once again, I congratulate my friend and brother, Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, today, as he was affirmed as the winner of July 16, 2022 Governorship elections in Osun State.
“I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors – DDI,”
Also, the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly and Delta State Governor Elect, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori wrote. “Congratulations to Governor Ademola Adeleke on his Supreme Court victory.”
“The ruling affirming him as the rightful governor of Osun State is a victory for democracy and the will of the people.”
While affirming Adeleke’s victory, the Supreme Court said the challenger and immediate governor of the state, Mr Gboyega Oyetola and his party the All Progressives Congress (APC) failed to prove their allegation of improper accreditation of voters and over-voting against Adeleke.
A five-member panel of the apex court held that the court of appeal correctly reinstated Adeleke as governor.
The judgment was affirmed and adopted unanimously by the five members of the panel who said the appeal lacked merit.
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