FALEKE,IDRIS WADA SPEAK ON SUPREME COURT'S VICTORY OF KOGI GOVERNOR,YAHAYA BELLO

Reactions continue to trail yesterday’s judgement of the Supreme Court affirming Alhaji Yahaya Bello as governor of Kogi State.

The Supreme Court had upheld the election of Bello of the APC by sacking the prayers of James Abiodun Faleke, the running mate of late Prince Abubakar Audu, the initial flag bearer of the party.

The seven-man panel, led by Justice Sylvester Ngwata, affirmed the election after listening to the closing statements of all the counsels.

However, the court said reasons for its decision to strike out the case would be made known on September 30.

Meanwhile, Governor Yahaya Bello, speaking through his chief press secretary, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, described what transpired at the Supreme Court as “big honour to democracy.”

He said: “The landmark judgment of the Supreme Court, which affirmed my election, is a watershed in the annals of electoral jurisprudence and constitutional law in the country. It was a long walk to victory which will reshape our Constitution as a nation.

“I remain humbled and magnanimous in victory and I, therefore, call on those who contested with me to join me in building a greater Kogi State.”

On his part, James Faleke said that he had no regrets over his decision to challenge the outcome of the election up to the apex court.

A statement issued by his spokesman, Duro Meseko, said it would amount to a “betrayal of the sacred trust of the people who reposed implicit confidence in the Audu/Faleke ticket not to have defended the sanctity of their vote up to the apex court level.”

But the immediate past governor of the state, Captain Idris Wada, speaking through his spokesman, Mr Jacob Edi, said that he was yet to study the judgment and, therefore, could not comment on it.

On his part a former acting governor of Kogi State, Chief Clarence Olafemi, described the Supreme Court judgment as a welcome development.
Also, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kogi State Chapter, through its chairman, Alhaji Taufiq Isa, said that the judgment was a victory for the rule of law.
 

Source:Daily Trust