The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has reassured the residents of his administration’s commitment to driving further development in the state.
He gave the assurance during a dinner at the New Festival Hall of Government House, Benin City, celebrating his victory at the election petitions tribunal in Abuja.
With the tribunal’s affirmation of his election victory, Okpebholo promised that Edo residents would witness an increase in development projects, as his administration adopts a more practical approach to governance.
The governor expressed gratitude to God, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the electorate for their support during both the September 21, 2024, election and the subsequent tribunal victory.
He assured them that he would not disappoint their trust.
Okpebholo also extended thanks to President Bola Tinubu, highlighting the President’s steadfast loyalty to the party despite significant pressure from various quarters.
He praised Tinubu for refraining from engaging in any actions that could harm the APC and described him as a true party man.
The governor reassured APC leaders that they would continue to be respected, emphasising that his administration would prioritise the growth and development of the people of Edo State.
Okpebholo said: “I thank all APC faithful and leaders, as well as State Working Committee (SWC) members that stood by us to ensure victory.
“My duty is very simple. First, to work for Edo people and secure our land. With these steps, Edo State will move forward. I am here to say thank you, as I appreciate your dedication and hard work, which have brought us this far.
“The tribunal’s judgment showed that we won the governorship election clearly, as the three judges unanimously gave APC victory. Edo is marching forward, and we will continue to do our best to uplift the well-being of our people.”
The representative of Edo North Senatorial District, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, congratulated Okpebholo and thanked God for the victory of the party at the election and subsequently at the election petitions tribunal.
Oshiomhole, a former Edo governor, said: “When non-believers went to court to challenge God’s proclamation, the court reaffirmed the decision of Edo people. We are here this evening to celebrate with the governor. We are here to celebrate what God has done for us as a party, which men questioned, but God overruled all those who questioned Him in our favour unanimously.
“God is great, and his decision cannot be questioned. We know we won the election and have no doubt in our minds as God has affirmed the victory. This dinner has enabled leaders across the three senatorial districts of Edo State to come together once again.
“God has chosen you, a man with few words, to set the state on the path of development. As you go about rebuilding roads, schools, supporting communities, and rebuilding lives, that is the way to go to bring joy to the lives of the people. We pray for a clearer vision for Edo people.”
The Chairman of APC in Edo, Jaret Tenebe, in his remarks, thanked the people of the state for their votes during the election, assuring them that the governor would deliver on all his electioneering promises which he said he had already started doing in the last few months in office.
Tenebe said: “This is the first meeting we are having after taking over the governance of Edo State, and it is something to rejoice about. This is an evening with the governor in appreciation of the election in solidarity and support of leaders during the tribunal. We welcome all to this victory dinner and wish all happy celebration.”
A former Deputy Governor of Edo, Dr. Pius Odubu, who congratulated Okpebholo on his well-deserved victory at the poll and tribunal, stated that Edo governor had been justifying the confidence reposed in him by the people with his developmental strides across all sectors of the state.
A leader of APC in Edo South senatorial district, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, thanked God for the victory and urged Okpebholo to carry everybody along, while thanking party’s leaders for their total support for the governor and the party.
A leader of the party from Edo North, Peter Obadan, who is a former Deputy Governor of the state, thanked Edo North people for their total support for the party and the governor, and assured them that the Okpebholo-led administration would improve on the lives of the people in the next eight years.
A leader of APC in Edo Central, Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd.) thanked Esan people for making “Esan Agenda” to become “Edo Agenda,” saying the people were now enjoying the dividends of democracy under Okpebholo.
Dignitaries at the victory dinner included the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff to the Governor; Gani Audu, Head of Service; Anthony Okungbowa; and former Edo deputy governor, Comrade Phillip Shaibu.
Others were Edo Secretary of APC, Lawrence Okah; serving commissioners; members of the Edo House of Assembly; and party faithful, among others.
