Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The Edo State Governor’s-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo on Thursday received his Certificate of Return, calling on the gubernatorial candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) and other candidates to join hands with his administration in moving the state forward and providing the dividends of democracy to the people.
Receiving the document as the winner of the September 21st governorship election at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, Senator Okpebholo commended President Bola Tinubu for ensuring that the Edo State governorship election was free, fair and credible and peaceful allowing the votes of Edo people to count.
“I thank President Bola Tinubu for the part he played in ensuring a free, fair and credible election” he said.
Okpebholo urged members of the opposition parties, especially the PDP, to join hands with his administration to move the state forward.
“I use this opportunity to reach out to our brothers on the other side of the divide as we are one family in the pursuit to provide public good for our citizens”
The Governor-elect stressed that the outcome of the election shows that the people trust the APC more now to provide leadership as the PDP has failed them in the last eight years.
The Governor-elect also commended the leadership of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their unbiased role in the election and the commission’s National Chairman’s ability to withstand pressure as an umpire, adding, “I want to thank the INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu for the transparent conduct of the process. This has introduced another credential of transparency in the way INEC conducts election in Nigeria.
Okpebholo praised the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC) for its tenacity and doggedness in ensuring the party got victory and expressed his deep appreciation to all the leaders of the party stressing that without their heavy sacrifices, his election would not have been possible.
“I also thank the Benin Monarch, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, for his fatherly role in ensuring that the election was peaceful. He also appreciated the Clergymen for their prayers and support towards ensuring a successful election.
“I thank God for helping Edo State conduct an election which many predicted would be bloody and characterised by violence, but God stepped in and made it peaceful,” he added.
The INEC National Commissioner in charge of Edo state, Mrs. Rohda Gums on behalf of the national chairman, presented the Certificate of Return in fulfilment of the statutory obligation of the commission as required by the electoral law.
Section 76 of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended, mandated the INEC as a commission to issue Certificate of Return within seven days to the candidate who wins the election. This event is another fulfilment of the law.”