My Acquittal is Victory For Democracy-Ikuforiji

Posted by African Examiner Crime Watch, Latest Headlines, News, News From The State, Politics Friday, September 26th, 2014

The Speaker of the Lagos state House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji has described his acquittal by the Federal High Court in Lagos as historic and victory for democracy and the rule of law.

While addressing a world press briefing at the Assembly complex, Lagos, Nigeria on Friday after the ruling, Ikuforiji said he now believed justice delayed is not always justice denied, adding that the judiciary still remained the last hope of the common man.

The Speaker who was joined at the briefing by the leadership of the House of Assembly titled his victory speech as “Hope in the season of vindication.

He thanked the former Governor, Bola Tinubu, Governor Babatunde Fashola and his colleagues for standing by him while the trial lasted.

Ikuforiji declared that he bore no grudge against the faceless people behind the case, noting that he is ready for the task of governance and promised never to betray the trust repose in him.

The speaker said he had been unnecessarily prosecuted by the EFCC in the last three years, commending the 40-member of the state House of Assembly for standing by him during the legal tussle.

“Of course my travail in the last three years has taught certain lessons. Victory is sweet; but I have learnt to wait patiently for it; I have learnt to be persevere in the face daunting challenges; I have learnt to expect the best even when all hope seems lost.”

“By pronouncing me not guilty , in fact, by dismissing the bases on which the needless trial was wrought, the Federal High Court has renewed my commitment to the struggle for a greater Lagos State, in particular, and a better society in Nigeria, in general.

“I am not tired: the task of governance must go on and I Adeyemi Sabit Ikuforiji, will continue to serve Lagos State, its people and our country to the best of my ability. I promise to never betray the confidence reposed in me; today’s victory is historic; it will spur me to work harder for the growth our dear state and the progress of our people.

My victory compels me to rededicate myself to the arduous task of lifting Lagos to the higher heights. It also propels me further in my personal and political struggle to protect the enviable legacy of good governance, sterling leadership and unmatched excellence for which Lagos State has come be known,” he stated.