Court Verdict on Suppressed Constituencies: Adakeke Hails Ododo, Calls It Victory for Minority Voices
A former Majority Leader of the Kogi State House of Assembly and Secretary of the Kogi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Hon. Alhassan Salisu Adakeke, has expressed solidarity with Ahmed Usman Ododo over the restoration of the eleven suppressed State Assembly constituencies.
Adakeke described the recent judicial pronouncement ordering the restoration of the constituencies as a landmark victory for minority groups in Kogi State, saying the development would correct decades of political imbalance and inadequate representation.
In a statement issued to journalists on Monday, the former lawmaker commended Governor Ododo for what he termed “strategic leadership and unwavering commitment” to ensuring justice for affected communities.
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“We have no doubt that this struggle enjoyed the support and encouragement of His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who deployed his political will and influence toward achieving this long-awaited political liberation,” Adakeke said.
He noted that since 1999, the Kogi State House of Assembly had operated with eleven constituencies short, a situation he described as a denial of fair representation to minority groups across the state.
“For over two decades, the House functioned without the full complement of constituencies, thereby silencing critical voices and creating longstanding imbalances in legislative representation,” he stated. “This judgment is not only a moral boost to democratic practice but also a reaffirmation of the sanctity of our Constitution and the principles of equity and justice.”
Speaking on behalf of the people of Bassa Local Government Area, Adakeke expressed profound appreciation to the governor for what he called the successful conclusion of a decades-long struggle.
“For us in Bassa Local Government Area, this development marks a historic turning point. It restores our faith in the democratic process and guarantees our rightful place in legislative affairs,” he said. “We commend the governor for standing firm and ensuring that justice prevails.”
Adakeke also expressed confidence in Governor Ododo’s capacity to ensure the timely conduct of elections into the restored constituencies in line with the court’s directive.
“We are confident that Governor Ododo possesses the requisite credentials and administrative competence to facilitate the smooth conduct of elections into the eleven constituencies without delay, in compliance with the court order,” he added.
He further urged the people of Bassa to take advantage of the opportunity to foster unity and advance development in the area.
“I appeal to the people of Bassa Local Government to remain united and peaceful, and to utilise this opportunity to strengthen our collective resolve for sustainable development,” Adakeke said. “This victory must translate into tangible progress for our communities.”
The restoration of the eleven constituencies is widely regarded as a significant step toward deepening democratic representation and inclusiveness in Kogi State.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, MARCH 2ND 2026)
