Amid Widespread Hunger, Kogi Governor Gifts Additional 11 Cars to Judges Weeks After Winning Appeal Court Ruling

Despite widespread hunger among citizens, Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has presented 11 additional cars to judges, bringing the total to 25. The handover ceremony took place on Tuesday at Muhammad Buhari Square in Lokoja, the state capital.

Represented by the Head of Service, Elijah Evimemi, Governor Ododo said the gesture fulfils his earlier promise during the swearing-in of newly appointed judges in July to provide vehicles to the judiciary.

“The issuance of the 11 vehicles is in fulfillment of my promise to the judiciary on the day of the swearing-in of newly-appointed judges in July to add more cars to the arm (judiciary). That day, this government gave out 14 vehicles and today, we are giving out 11 more to our hardworking judicial officers in the state. We hope to supply more soon so that it can go round all our judges and magistrates operating in the state,” he said.

In response, the Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Mejabi, thanked the governor for keeping his promise.

“Ododo is a man of his words. His words are followed by actions. I believe he will soon donate the last batch of the vehicles to us so that all the judicial officers will have theirs,” Mejabi stated.

Some observers have noted that the donation is coming weeks after a significant legal victory. The appeal court recently upheld Ododo’s election as Kogi State governor, dismissing allegations of forgery and over-voting in a petition filed by Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The tribunal had also ruled in favour of Ododo, rejecting allegations brought by the petitioners. As the former Local Government Auditor-General, Ododo took over from ex-Governor Yahaya Bello, who has been scrutinised for multiple fraud allegations.

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