Sokoto Gov Says Victory is for People, Democracy

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has described yesterday’s judgement that affirmed his election as a victory for the  state and Nigeria’s democracy.

The governor noted that the striking out of all the six grounds presented to the tribunal by the PDP in the state was a clear evidence that the state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had no genuine case against him.

According to him, “The tribunal’s judgement is a clear testimony of the fact that Nigeria’s judiciary remains unbiased, describing the judgement as a welcome development to the people of the state and all lovers of democracy within and outside Nigeria.

He also commended the tribunal for doing the right thing and being fair after hearing from all those involved in the petition challenging the legitimacy of his victory at the 2023 governorship election.

The governor further called on the opposition in the state to join hands with his administration to move the state forward, saying patriotism should now be the driving factor with a view to bolstering the socio-economic development of the state.

He further reminded the opposition that 2027 is not far hence the need for them to warm up for the next battle as the 2023 is done and dusted.

Aliyu said: “Our doors are still open to all well-meaning citizens wishing to collaborate with us in moving our state forward. Sokoto State is for all of us, so we have to work together to make it better.”

He further reassured the people of the state of his administration’s determination to execute people-oriented projects for the overall development of the state.

“We are determined to sustain the developmental projects we have started in our 100 days in office.

“Our nine-point agenda will be vigorously pursued to transform our dear state for the good of all,” he vowed.

Meanwhile, the state PDP has stated that it will appeal the judgment of the state Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in the state.

The party in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Hassan Sahabi Sanyinnawal, urged supporters to remain calm and law-abiding.

The statement said: “The Peoples Democratic Party in Sokoto State wishes to express deep concern about the outcome of the just-concluded case at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in the state.

“Even though the PDP is a strict respecter of the judicial process, our party is constrained to entertain serious misgivings on the ruling that has dismissed all the complaints of our party and our candidates despite what we consider to be overwhelming evidence to prove our case.

“We assure our supporters and the people of Sokoto State that the PDP will remain committed to the struggle to retrieve their given mandate through the only civilized instrument of the judiciary.

“Irrespective of the tribunal judgment, our party still regards the courts as the last hope of the common man in Nigeria. We, therefore, enjoin our supporters to remain steadfast in our collective pursuit of justice.”