Former House of Representatives member, Francis Ottah Agbo, has congratulated the Chairman of Ado Local Government Council, Hon. Sunny Oche, and the ten councillors on their recent victory at the Court of Appeal, Abuja but with a solemn call: focus on tackling insecurity, not celebrations.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Ottah Agbo, who represented Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the 9th National Assembly, described the court ruling as a victory for democracy and the long-suffering people of Benue State.

He commended the Judiciary for upholding the sanctity of the ballot box, stating, “Today’s verdict is not just a win for the Governor, the APC, or the Council officials, it is a triumph for the people of Benue.”

While congratulating council officials across the 23 local government areas of the state, the former lawmaker cautioned against public celebration, citing the continued terrorist attacks on communities across the state.

“This is not a time for celebration. Our brothers, sisters, and parents are still being murdered in cold blood by terrorists in parts of Benue. In their honour, let us be sober, focused, and compassionate in leadership,” he said.

Ottah Agbo praised Governor Hyacinth Alia for putting together a strong legal team that ensured a successful outcome in the appellate court.

He urged the newly affirmed council leaders to roll up their sleeves and work closely with the Governor and security agencies to restore peace and stability in the state.

“Now that the legal dust has settled, it is time to collaborate across all levels to stamp out insecurity and deliver governance that truly liberates the masses,” he added.

The former lawmaker also called on victorious council officials to be magnanimous, urging them to reach out to aggrieved opponents in the spirit of unity and reconciliation.