Senate President Godswill Akpabio, his deputy, Barau Jibrin, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, and governors have hailed the decision of the Supreme Court, affirming the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Akpabio, in a statement by his media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, called on the major rivals of the president to sheath their swords of political combat and join hands with the Tinubu administration in the collective goal of making the nation great again.
“The elections have been announced by the electoral authorities and confirmed by the courts, and I call on all former political rivals of the president to show good faith by joining hands with the Bola Tinubu administration in its ongoing efforts to take the nation to a higher level,” the statement said.
Barau, in a statement by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, described the judgement as a victory for democracy and urged the appellants to join hands with President Tinubu to address the challenges facing the country.
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“I commend the justices of the Supreme Court for upholding the verdict of the Nigerian electorate who voted for President Tinubu during the presidential election. It is now time for all to team up with the president to actualise his lofty programmes and policies for the development of our country as captured in the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
A former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, described Tinubu’s victory as a legal vindication that further strengthens the nation’s democratic process.
Lawan, in a statement signed by his media adviser, Ezrel Tabiowo, urged all Nigerians to rally behind the President for a stronger and more prosperous nation.
The speaker in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, noted that the victory was not only for President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but also for all Nigerians.
Abbas praised the judiciary for remaining the last hope of the common man and noted that the judgment by the Supreme Court has further strengthened legal jurisprudence in Nigeria.
Also, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Levinus Nwabughiogu, said democracy had triumphed in Nigeria.
Afenifere leader congratulates Tinubu
Leader of Afenifere Worldwide, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, in a statement by the spokesperson of the group, Jare Ajayi, congratulated Tinubu on his victory.
Fasoranti congratulated Nigerians for the peaceful atmosphere that, on the whole, characterized the whole electoral and judiciary processes.
Victory belongs to all Nigerians – govs
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described the judgement as a watershed and a moment of joy for all Nigerians.
Abiodun, in a statement he personally signed, described the judgement as rooted in law, even as he praised the judiciary for standing by the truth at all times.
The governor said the victory is for all Nigerians, as it came when President Tinubu’s policies aimed at lifting Nigeria out of her current malaise were beginning to take shape.
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, in a statement by his spokesman, Ismaila Uba Misilli, described the judgement as “a triumph for democracy and truth. It is a victory that brings relief to our nation and opens a new chapter of renewed hope for all Nigerians.”
The governor called on all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, to unite behind the president and Vice President Kashim Shettima as they work tirelessly to achieve the shared aspirations of the nation.
Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, described it as “the ultimate judicial stamp on the landslide victory” of Tinubu.
Niger State governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, in a congratulatory message through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, said “the coast was finally cleared and arguments laid to rest”.
Some APC governors were also at the president’s office to pay him a congratulatory visit.
They included AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), and Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State.
Other well-wishers who rushed into President Tinubu’s office to congratulate him included National Chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; and Senator Sani Musa.
Governor Diri of Bayelsa State, who is standing in for reelection in a few weeks’ time, was captured in a video rejoicing with the president.
He walked up to President Tinubu and shook hands with him.
The president, who was basking in joy, was heard saying, ‘Oh! Diri, you are looking good. I saw him on television he is so energised.”
The SGF described the verdict as a revalidation of the mandate which the Nigerian people gave the president.