The Election Tribunal sitting in Kogi state recently passed its judgment, ordering for a rerun in about 95 polling units it described as ‚violent marred‘, where elections to elect the senator representing Kogi East Senatorial District in the red chamber of the Nigeria‘s National Assembly. The incumbent Senator, Isah Jibrin Echocho with a wide leading margin of 27,000 votes will face the People Democratic Party candidate, Victor Adoji in the rerun. Rather than freaked and vexed by the verdict of the tribunal, Senator Echocho welcomes the decision of the learned wise men of the bench even as he takes the available route of a legal redress. To him, the interpretation of the appellate court is the right and most civilized option available.
Senator Isah Jibrin Echocho‘s democratic posture in response to the outcome of the Kogi East Tribunal verdict serves as a commendable example of political maturity in a landscape often marred by discord and bitterness. While it‘s commonplace for politicians to react to unfavorable judgments with outrage and aggression, Echocho chose a different path, one that exemplifies his commitment to democratic principles and in his in believer in the Latin phrase Vox populi, vox Dei: the voice of the people is the voice of God.
The tribunal‘s decision to order a rerun in 95 polling units due to a marred electoral process in the wisdom of the judges was undoubtedly a significant development. Echocho‘s lead of over 27,000 votes places him in a comfortable position, and he could have easily succumbed to the temptation of gloating or attacking his opponents. However, he maintained his composure and dignity, acknowledging the judgment and expressing his intention to seek further legal recourse through the appellate court – a testament to his belief in the judiciary as torchbearer of justice and democratic principles.
This measured response not only reflects Echocho‘s respect for the rule of law but also sets a positive tone for his supporters. By urging them to respect the tribunal‘s verdict, he demonstrated a commitment to peaceful coexistence and a rejection of any form of political violence or unrest. In a political climate where tensions often run high, such a call for calm is a refreshing contribution to the political stability of Kogi East senatorial district.
Echocho‘s approach to the situation also underscores the importance of civility and decorum in democracy. Instead of resorting to acrimony, he chose to engage with the democratic process in a constructive manner. This approach not only upholds the ideals of democracy but also serves as a model for others to follow. By so doing, he has contributed to the building of democratic culture that discourages we are right and you are dead (apologies to Wole Soyinka) approach to elections in the state in particular and Nigeria by extension.
Senator Isah Jibrin Echocho‘s response to the Kogi East Tribunal verdict is a testament to his maturity as a politician and his commitment to democratic values. His measured and respectful demeanor in the face of adversity sets a positive example for the political arena, emphasizing the importance of peaceful engagement and the rule of law in a thriving democracy. Echocho has contributed to the development of the length and breadth of his senatorial district and the state writ large. Echocho‘s acceptance of the judgment of the tribunal speaks volumes of his belief in his performance and deliveries and also his faith in the people of his senatorial district to reward good work for more work in the poll. The Kogi East senatorial rerun election will be a referendum on the performance of Echocho and from all indications he has performed well.
If the feelers from the Kogi East senatorial District is anything to go by, Senator Isah Jibrin Echocho who sits as the Chairman Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Duty is the bride of the rerun polls given his overwhelming acceptance. Until then, only time, we await the verdict of time.Based on the enthusiastic support and feedback received from the constituents in Kogi East senatorial district, it appears that Senator Isah Jibrin Echocho, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs, Excise, and Duty, is positioned as a strong candidate for the upcoming rerun polls. His remarkable popularity and acceptance among the voters have made him a highly sought-after contender in this election. However, as with any political race, the final outcome will ultimately depend on the voters‘ decision, and we eagerly await the judgment of the electorate when the time comes for the polls.
