The Supreme Court has upheld the governorship election victory of Ekiti state governor, Ayo Fayose.
The appeal filed against Fayose by the All Progressives Congress was dismissed by the Supreme Court.
The judgement, which was unanimous was delivered this morning, by a
seven-man panel of Justices of the apex court led by Justice John
Fabiyi.
Reacting to the verdict, Fayose released a statement saying:
love for me.
Having voted for me ten months ago, and confirming the victory by the
subsequent elections in the last few weeks, they have shown that they
are unequivocal about their choice and their determination to protect
and defend that mandate.
I cannot but appreciate the Apex Court for protecting democracy and
also for living to the expectation of the Chief Justice of Nigeria,
Hon. Justice Mahmud Mohammed, who had assured that under his
leadership, the judiciary would not subscribe to any plot to change
the outcome of elections through the instrumentality of the Court.
I think the necessary lessons must have been learnt and it is obvious
that Nigeria is evolving democratically.
To my opponents, I plead with you to sheath your sword and join me in
the development of Ekiti State. If truly our struggle is about service
to our dear State, it is time to come together and channel all our
resources towards the development of the State.
I am irrevocably committed to the protection of all, including the
opposition in the State.
Nobody is infallible, and I am not a perfect being. The only one that
is perfect is God, but He, in His infinite mercies has made me the
Governor of Ekiti State today.
I have a term and tenure; there will be another opportunity for Ekiti
people to decide who governs them.
Rather than trouble the peace of
the State, our friends in the opposition parties should accept the
will of God concerning our dear State and wait till 2018.
I thank all stakeholders and I am assuring them that I will leave
Ekiti State better than I met it.
My special appreciation also goes to the security agencies for being
alive to their responsibilities.
May the Almighty God continue to bless Ekiti State.
Ayodele Fayose
Governor, Ekiti State
