A philanthropist and APC stalwart in Kogi State, Alhaji Abdulrauf Dan-Usman fondly called Senior Malaika has lauded the verdict of the Kogi State Election Tribunal which affirmed the victory of Governor Usman Ododo.
The Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja on Monday had affirmed the victory of Governor Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 11th November 2023 Kogi governorship poll.
The three-member panel of justices, headed by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, held that the petition was bereft of substance and accordingly dismissed it.
Speaking on the verdict, Senior Malaika said, “the Tribunal upheld the will of Kogites in voting in Governor Usman Ododo and we are all happy. The 11th November 2023 election was not about former Governor Yahaya Bello or his achievements but about our desire to support a man we believe can take Kogi State to greater heights.
“So those thinking that the issues the former governor is having with the EFCC will affect the outcome of the tribunal has been disappointed. Because they are two distinct issues.”
Senior Malaika who further frowned at insinuations in some quarters that Gov Ododo is too loyal to his predecessor, said there’s no half loyalty.
“There’s no 99.9% loyalty and we have a Governor who understands this timeless truth. So nobody should blame him for standing with a man who positioned him to be voted in as Governor. My only caution is for him not to allow his loyalty to ruin his name and reputation.”
On his advise to Governor Ododo, the frontline community leader disclosed that, “I have called him to congratulate him and also advice him but on behalf of my people, especially my political group, I will say this is the time to roll up his sleeves and begin the work of rebuilding Kogi State.
“Already he has started on a good note with the correct payment of salaries. He should please keep it up and if possible improve.
“I also told him that the time for politics is past and it is time to develop Kogi, he needs to blur the line between religious and ethnic affiliation. Let’s focus on developing Kogi State especially the State Capital, Lokoja. We can make it a tourist haven with all the natural resources God has bestowed upon us.”
