Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, Sen. Hope Uzodimma has assured the Governor-elect of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo of the full support of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Okpebholo prepares to take over the reins of power in his State soon.
Sen Uzodimma who is also the Governor of Imo State gave the assurance on Wednesday when Okpebholo, his Deputy Governor-elect, Denis Idahosa, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, the APC Chairman in Edo State and other key members of the Party paid him a thank you visit at Government House Owerri.
Earlier, Okpebholo told Governor Uzodimma that the visit was to thank him for being with him “before, during and after” the election in Edo State that took place on September 21, 2024.
He said Governor Uzodimma has proven himself a “father, a leader of APC and a brother” and that he has shown that he is a dependable ally.
Okpebholo said he was in Government House with his leader, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, his Deputy-elect, the Chairman APC Edo State and others, to express their gratitude and “to say a big thank you.”
He said now that they have won the election, the next step is to develop Edo State and that they were happy to visit Governor Uzodimma to receive his blessings ahead of assumption of office.
He added that the Governor’s blessings will complement that of the Oba of Benin who had directed them to come and thank him as well as thank God for his grace.
The Governor-elect seized the opportunity to invite Governor Uzodimma to his inauguration on November 12, 2024, saying that Sen Uzodimma will perform the role of a father he is in the APC family.
In his response, Governor Uzodimma warmly welcome Sen Okpebholo on behalf of the Government and people of Imo State and thanked them for finding it fit and necessary to visit him.
The Governor said it is a thing of joy that APC won the election in Edo State and expressed his happiness, noting that “the entire population and members of APC of Edo State and Nigeria in general are all happy for the victory.”
Governor Uzodimma congratulated him and all members of APC and citizens of Edo State he will be leading as their Governor, and prayed God to give him the wisdom to do those things he promised during his campaign.
He advised him to “remember to give Edo State a new look, to bring prosperity and development and be able to justify the confidence reposed in him by the leaders of APC and the entire Edo indigenes.”
He also prayed for the Governor-elect and his team, particularly that what they will use to achieve and develop Edo State, they will not lack.
Governor Uzodimma thanked Okpebholo for taking the pains to come all the way from Edo State to visit him and described it as “symbolic” and a gesture he must treasure for a long time.
Concluding, the Governor promised that as long as Okpebholo is a member of the APC, and is bringing progress to Edo, he as the Governor of Imo State and the people of Imo State, will continue to support him.
Governor said: “Go home with confidence that one with God is majority and with the kind of support and blessings you have gotten from the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the people you don’t have any reason to be afraid because Edo people voted for you.”
Present at the visit were the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Bar Nnamdi Anyaehie, among other top government officials.
E-Signed:
Oguwike Nwachuku
Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor
October 2,2024.
