Segun Akanni, Toronto, Canada 
Reported By Abimbola Obatayo, Ibadan
..says victory, an opportunity to keep pace of Oyo’s development
OYO State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, said on Thursday, that his victory at the Supreme Court amounted to truth eventually prevailing in the state.
This was as the Governor assured the people of Oyo State that his government would develop the state in such a way that everyone would benefit in one way or the other, calling on politicians not to fight themselves over benefits from government.
The Governor, who stated these while speaking with newsmen at the Ibadan Airport on his arrival from Abuja following the Supreme Court judgment and also while addressing a crowd of supporters at the Government Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, said that the decision of the apex court to validate his victory in the March 9, 2019 Governorship Election, was an opportunity to continue to develop the state.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the Governor equally appreciated the Judiciary for standing firm by the truth.
He also appreciated the people of the state, Justices of the Supreme Court and especially Justice Adumein of the Court of Appeal, who gave a minority judgment that tallied with the decision of the Election Petition Tribunal, which had earlier upheld his election, for standing by the truth.
According to the Governor, those who challenged the result of the March 9, 2019 election in the state, which the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won by an unmistakably wide margin, were peddlers of lies.
He said: “I want to say that the celebration should continue. I have always known that truth will always prevail no matter how long lies have been peddled.
“I want to specially thank Justice Adumein, the Justice of the Court of Appeal, who stood by the truth. When the case got to the Supreme Court, because truth is constant, they also stood by the truth.
“For the people of Oyo State, during the electioneering period, we prepared a document on how to bring accelerated development to Oyo State. So, this victory is a victory for the people of the state and an opportunity for us to continue on the path of accelerated development for the state.
“So, with this victory, the people should expect more from us.”
Similarly, while speaking at the Government Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, where a mammoth crowd of supporters had converged to welcome him, Governor Makinde assured that everyone who worked to enthrone the government would benefit.
“I want to sincerely tell you that all the people who have worked for this government will benefit one thing or the other from it. Please, don’t fight with yourselves. By the time we expand our economy, what is inadequate today will be more than enough tomorrow.
“I can even tell you that those who did not vote for us will also have something to benefit from this government. So, if you have friends in other parties, tell them to come join you so that they can also be part of beneficiaries of the good things this government is giving to you.
“Workers, let me ask you, have you received the first salary for the month of December? If yes, it is good but you will see another alert, which is the 13th-month salary, before the end of the year. The first alert is for the Christmas celebration. Kill turkeys, kill chickens and on the day after Christmas, you will receive another one to take care of yourselves for the New Year.
“I really appreciate you and wish everybody merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
