By Peter Okolie
The Governor-elect of Edo, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has affirmed his resolve to prioritise the development of the state.
Okpebholo made the pledge during a thank-you visit to the Imo State governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, at the Imo Government House, Owerri on Wednesday.
He said: “We have contested the election, by His grace, we have won the election, and we are here to tell you that the next step is to develop Edo.”
Okpebholo extolled the leadership, brotherly and fatherly role Uzodimma played during the governorship poll in the state.
“The confidence I have in you is that what you can do, you can do it anytime.
“I urge you to again play the role of the father of progressives on the 12th of November when I will be sworn in as governor of Edo,” he said.
Okpebholo was accompanied on the visit by former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, among other party chieftains.
Receiving his guests, Uzodimma described the visit as “symbolic,” commending the governor-elect and his entourage for finding time to come.
“It is a thing of joy that the election came in Edo state and our party won.
“I am particularly happy that Edo people and members of our party are happy with the victory at the election,” Uzodimma said.
While congratulating Okpebholo on his victory, Uzodimma prayed God to grant him the wisdom to fulfill his campaign promises and give Edo a new look.
“Bring prosperity and development to Edo to justify the confidence reposed in you by the leaders and members of the party in the state and indeed, the entire Edo indigenes.
“Go home with confidence with the support you have got from the people and the support you have got from President Bola Tinubu.
“What you will use to achieve that, you will not lack,” he said, pledging to give support to the leadership of the governor-elect in Edo.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Okpebholo emerged winner of the election with 291,667 votes to defeat the PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes.
The Labour Party Candidate, Olumide Akpata, came third with 22,763 votes. (NAN)
