Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has assured the people of the State of the determination of his administration to continue to work and ensure more developmental strides
The Governor gave the assurance during a victory dinner held at the New Festival Hall of Government House, Benin City, on Monday night to celebrate his victory at the election petition tribunal.
Governor Okpebholo said with the affirmation of his victory by the tribunal, Edo people will see more positive developments, as his administration has adopted the practical governance style.
He appreciated God, party leaders, and the electorate for the victory both at the election on September 21, 2024, and the election petition tribunal, and assured them that he would not disappoint.
Governor Okpebholo also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying in spite of tremendous pressure from certain quarters, refused to engage in anti-party activities that would have affected the party negatively.
The Governor assured party leaders that they would be respected, and his administration would work for the people in terms of growth and development.
“I thank all party faithful and leaders, All Progressives Congress (APC) State Working Committee (SWC) as they stood by us to ensure victory.
“I also thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who refused to do anti-party at the point of pressure. The President is a party man and he stood by the party.
“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 ruling shows 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,” he stated.
Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District and former Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, congratulated the Okpebholo and thanked God for the victory of the party at the election and subsequently at the election petition tribunal.
“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,” he said.
Chairman of the APC in Edo State, Jaret Tenebe, thanked the people of the State for their votes during the election, assuring them that the Governor will deliver on all his electioneering promises which he said he has already started doing in the last few months in office.
“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,” he said.
Former Deputy Governor of the State, Pius Odubu who congratulated Governor Okpebholo on his well deserved victory at the polls and tribunal, said he is already justifying the confidence reposed in him by the people with his developmental strides across all sectors of the State.
A leader of the APC in Edo South, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu thanked God for the victory and urged the Governor to carry everybody along as he is the Governor of Edo State. He thanked party leaders for their total support for the governor and the party.
A leader of the party from Edo North and former Deputy Governor of the State, Peter Obadan, thanked Edo North people for their total support for the party and the Governor, and assured them that the Okpebholo-led administration will improve on the lives of the people in the next eight years.
Also, a leader of the party in Edo Central, Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (retd) thanked Esan people for making “Esan Agenda” to become “Edo Agenda,” saying the people are now enjoying the dividends of democracy under Governor Okpebholo.
Dignitaries at the victory dinner included the Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff to the Governor; Gani Audu, Head of Service; Anthony Okungbowa; former Deputy Governors of the State, Peter Obadan, Pius Odubu and Comrade Phillip Shaibu.
Others were the Secretary of the party, Lawrence Okah; serving commissioners, Members of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), party faithful, among others.
Signed: Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor.
Tuesday, 15 April, 2025.
