From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Following the Supreme Court verdict that upheld the electoral victory of Governor Abba Yusuf Kabir of Kano State, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has offered an olive branch to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
NNPP acting National Chairman, Abba Kawu Ali, at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja, told all opposition parties to accept defeat in good faith and join hands with the governor to develop the state.
Ali appreciated the Supreme Court for upholding the victory of Governor Yusuf, adding the solidarity of the people of Kano State would not be taken for granted.
“We are here today to register our profound gratitude to Nigerians in general, the International Community and indeed, the media, for their invaluable support to our party during our trying journey through the judicial process which ended yesterday with the verdict of the Supreme Court.
“As you are all aware, the verdict affirmed the victory of NNPP and our candidate in the March 18, 2023 election; it reaffirmed Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf as the authentic, duly elected, Executive Governor of Kano State.
“We want to specially appreciate the Hon Justices of the Supreme Court for their courage to uphold the principles of fairness and equity, as demonstrated in their judgement on Friday.
“In a similar vein, we are very grateful to our highly respected former Heads of State, former Presidents, our revered traditional rulers, religious leaders, leaders of political parties, members of the bar, student union leaders, Diaspora Nigerians, and others too numerous to mention, for their individual and collective role in what was termed “Operation Save Kano and Save Democracy.”
“The struggle to “save Kano” was a multi-partisan movement involving all lovers of democracy across the length and breadth of our dear country, Nigeria, and beyond.
“We are happy that at the end of the whole exercise, NNPP has been vindicated by the ruling of the Supreme Court and the statement of the chairman of the 5-man panel, Justice Inyang Okoro JSC, who rightly observed that there was miscarriage of justice in the outcome of the matter Involving our party and our governor, Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf at the tribunal and Court of Appeal levels.
“Justice Inyang Okoro JSC, speaking the mind of the Supreme Court, advised justices and judges to always be meticulous in deciding matters of the law.
“We want to assure all Nigerians and particularly the people of Kano State that we will not take this show of solidarity for granted.
“Our governor, Engr Abba Kabir will continue with the people-oriented programmes which he embarked upon since he took the reins of government in Kano State.
“We wish to echo the voice of Justice Inyang Okoro JSC when he urged judges to always be meticulous in their work.
“We wish to add that judges should always continue to be bold and courageous, and discharge their duties without fear of favour. They should resist all external pressure and work with their conscience.”