By Dayo Johnson, Akure

GOVERNOR Olusegun Mimiko has dedicated his victory at the Supreme Court to God who saw him through the fierce battle to ascertain his victory.

He spoke while addressing a mammoth crowd that welcome him back after the Supreme Court dismissed the appeals of the PDP and ACN candidates in the governorship election in the state.

Dr Mimiko alongside his Deputy, Alhaji Ali Olanusi said that if the verdict had been otherwise, the opposition and detractors would have mocked him and his God.

He gave praises to God for showing Himself strong on his behalf throughout the legal battle from the lower tribunal to the Supreme Court by shaming his detractors.

The governor said that the verdict has vindicated the victory given to him by the people of the State during the governorship election.

He appealed to both Olusola Oke and Rotimi Akeredolu of the PDP and ACN to bury their hatchet and join hands with him in moving the State to an enviable height.

He thanked the Chief Justice of Nigeria Aloma Mukhtar for resheduling the case even while the Judges are on vacation noting that if the matter had extended, the opposition parties would have read meaning to it.

Dr Mimiko promised to continue to work for the people of the state saying ” now its time for work”

In his reaction to the verdict ,Chief Oke said that the Supreme Court in its wisdom has given its judgment dismissing our Appeal against the decision of the Court of Appeal.

Oke said that this final ruling marks the end of a titanic  battle to challenge and invalidate the result of the election

”Though the battle is fought and decided, we need to thank the good people of this State for their endurance, fortitude, faith and perseverance throughout the period of this trial.

” We also wish to encourage them to keep the peace and walk tall through the rest of the days ahead.

”While profoundly thanking all the good people of Ondo state for their uncommon support and encouragement, we wish to remind all that the fight to enthrone democracy, justice and freedom is not an easy walk.”