From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has expressed joy and gratitude following the Supreme Court’s ruling in his favour. The Apex court on Friday declared Governor Yahaya as the rightful winner of the 2023 gubernatorial election in the state.
While reacting to the court’s verdict, the governor pledges to continue working towards the socio-economic development of Gombe. According to a statement that was issued by his senior media aide, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the Governor said, “Let me begin by expressing my gratitude to Allah (SWT) for all the victories, from the polls through the Tribunal to the Supreme Court. Today’s decision of the Supreme Court is not just a personal and party triumph, but also an affirmation of the will of the people of Gombe State who have queued up during the 2023 governorship poll to give us their mandate for an additional four years”.
Misilli added that the governor said, “With all court cases resolved, our focus and energy will now be directed towards advancing the development of Gombe State. During our first term, we implemented projects, initiated programs, and enacted policy reforms that significantly improved the lives of our citizens. I assure the people of Gombe that we are committed to doing even more in our second term, and they can anticipate more democracy dividends”.
Governor Yahaya further expressed gratitude to the people of Gombe State for their support and cooperation, maintaining that the longstanding synergy between his administration and the people of the state has significantly contributed to the successes that have been achieved in the last four and a half years of his government.
“Let me on behalf of myself, the deputy governor, members of my government, and the entire APC family, express our gratitude to the people of Gombe State for their prayers, steadfast support, cooperation, and solidarity. The synergy between my administration and the people since 2019 to date has contributed significantly to the achievements and positive outcomes witnessed in various sectors”, he said.
Governor Yahaya of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had been battling the gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Muhammad Jibrin Barde, and that of African Democratic Congress (ADC) Nafiu Bala, who went to the apex court to challenge his victory at the March 18th, 2023 gubernatorial election in Gombe.
Delivering the judgment of the court, leaders of the five-member panel, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, dismissed the appeal filed against the governor for lacking in merit.
Meanwhile, the governor commended the supreme court Justices for their diligence and thoroughness in handling the case, he also hailed his legal team for their effort in defending the mandate of the Gombe people from the tribunal to the apex court, just as he equally appreciated the leadership and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for their support throughout this journey.