PRESS STATEMENT - March 10, 2009

ARC MOHAMMED NAMADI SAMBO VICTORY  SPEECH AT THE FEDERAL COURT OF APPEAL SITTING IN KADUNA  ON MONDAY MARCH 9 2009, AT HASSAN USMAN KATSINA HOUSE-KAWO KADUNA

It is with a heart fill with joy and gratitude to Almighty Allah that I address you this afternoon. All praises and salutations is His and we give thanks to Him for all His bounties.

When I received the news that the Appeal challenging our victory at the Federal Court of Appeal by our opponents have finally being determined in our favour, my immediate reaction was that the Nigerian Judiciary has done it again. They have risen to the challenge and have held their heads high confirming to the world that they merit the accolades of being referred to as the last hope of the common man.

I must add that since the commencement of our trial at the Elections Petitions Tribunal up to its final determination at the Court of Appeal, my confidence in the ability of these judicial agencies  to deliver an equitable, fair and just adjudication remained unwavering.

They have patiently and painstakingly listened to the arguments of both appellants and respondents as provided in our statutes and in accordance with the famous dictum “Audi Alterem Patem” when translated simply means “Hear Both Sides.”

They have heard all sides and have finally delivered
judgement in our favour. This judgement is monumental in several respects. Apart from reaffirming the confidence you the good people of Kaduna state bestowed on us when you gave us your mandate at the April 21, 2007 elections, it also juxtaposes the acceptability of the Democratic as well as the Electoral process in its entirety in Kaduna State and finally puts to rest any hue and cry of election manipulation as espoused by our election opponents.

This victory could not have come at a better time than now in view of our numerous attainments in office coupled with the recently concluded successfully organized and clinically executed KADA GAMES 2009, the 16^th National Sports Festival which we collectively join in sharing the glory.

With this victory which is for all of us lovers of Democracy, I call on all well-meaning people of Kaduna State to rally round us and give us the maximum support and cooperation needed towards attaining the well-fashioned Eleven-point Agenda which is on course.

Our political friends, we equally extend our hands of friendship and call on them to partner with us in our tasks to making a better Kaduna State.

To our political opponents, we call on them to think more of Kaduna State than anything else as the State is greater than any individual or group. We extend an olive branch to them to come and join us in our onerous tasks of State and Nation Building.

To the electorate, we say a big thank you for the confidence you reposed in us to which we have sworn never to let you down and we stand by that testament.

Finally, we thank the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for their doggedness , resilience and determination throughout the Court proceedings and all those who believe  and are working for the progress of Kaduna State, we remain eternally grateful as  you are our partners in progress and development.

We must not forget to thank the Civil Service, the organized labour, our Royal Fathers, our Religious Leaders, the Security Agencies and all lovers of peace for the efforts made all the while to maintain Law and Order in our dear State.

Thank you and God bless.