- Gov declares verdict as victory for the people
The Supreme Court has affirmed the election of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.
The unanimous judgment was delivered on Wednesday by Justice Paul Galinje.
A seven-man panel of the apex court led by Justice Mary Peter-Odili affirmed the governor’s victory at the March 9, 2019 election after dismissing two separate appeals challenging the outcome of the poll.
Justice Paul Galinje, who delivered the lead judgments in the two appeals held that the appeals lacked merit.
One of the appeals dismissed by the court was filed by Prof. Ifagbemi Awamaridi and his party, the Labour Party.
The other was by Chief Owolabi Salis and his party, the Alliance Democracy.
He held that the reliefs sought by the appellant do not fall within the ambit of the schedule of the electoral act and that prayers sort before the court in an election matter are jurisdictional and must fall within the reliefs allowed by the law in section 138 of the electoral act.
Meanwhile Governor Sanwo-Olu has expressed joy at the verdict, which he said will embolden him to pursue his vision of bequeathing a legacy for greater Lagos at the end of his tenure.
Sanwo-Olu in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile said he had absolute confidence in the judiciary, knowing that it would adjudicate on the side of the people of Lagos who freely gave him the mandate to administer the State on their behalf for the four year tenure.
‘’As the last hope of the common man, I was never in doubt that the judiciary would do what is right and what is just. The people of Lagos spoke loudly through their votes on the day of election and their action gave us victory. We remain thankful and indebted to them.’’
The Governor also thanked the leadership of his political party, the All Progressives Congress, supporters and well-wishers who, he said have remained steadfast from March 9th 2019, after the election up to this moment.
He pledged his administration’s commitment to the THEMES agenda, which he said, is aimed at delivering a future forward Lagos to the citizens.
Sanwo-Olu however called on his opponents to join him in his efforts to make Lagos a destination for commerce, industry, tourism, sports and entertainment as encapsulated in the THEMES agenda.
“Our administration is already on the path of meaningful developmental strides.
“With this victory, people of Lagos State are set to enjoy more of infrastructural development and people-oriented programmes which will accelerate the standard of living.
”I therefore urge the opposition to join hands with me in our quest to move our dear State forward and to give abundant life to our people.’’