Why I challenged Bello’s victory —Wada

THE immediate past governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada, on Wednesday, said he did not challenge the victory of Governor Yahaya Bello for selfish, ethnic or chauvinistic sentiments.

Rather, he said he embarked on the search for justice, having been convinced about the authenticity of the mandate given to him by the people of the state.

The former governor, in a statement by his special adviser on media and strategy, Jacob Edi, while congratulating Bello, said he would abide by the pronouncements of the Supreme Court.

“As you are already aware, the court has dismissed my appeal as well as those brought by other people and thereby upholding the emergence of Alhaji Yahaya Bello as governor of our dear state. I wish to congratulate Governor Bello on his victory and wish him a successful tenure of office.

“Our search for justice, which terminated yesterday (Tuesday), has been a long one: from the tribunal through the appeal court up to the Supreme Court. It is instructive to note that our pursuit of  justice was not hinged on selfish, ethnic or such other chauvinistic sentiments.

“In the circumstance we found ourselves, in the immediate post-election days, we were convinced about the authenticity of the mandate given to us by the people of our dear state. It will be on record that when we felt the mandate was not only threatened but stolen, we approached the judiciary for interpretation as provided by our laws. We have pursued our convictions to the highest court in the land.

“As patriotic citizens, we shall abide by the judicial pronouncements. No doubts, our gesture has left its indelible marks on the development of our jurisprudence. It is hoped that at some point in the future, our efforts will be a reference point for generations yet unborn,” the statement read.

Wada, however, appreciated his supporters nationwide, especially the people of the state and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for standing by him through legal tussle.

He also urged the people not to despair, saying “we must continue to remain loyal and faithful to our great party, the PDP, and work to make it stronger at both local and national levels.”