Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has reacted after the Court of Appeal affirmed his election as the bonafide Governor of the State on Thursday.
Recall that the Appeal Court, in its judgement on Thursday, upheld the earlier tribunal ruling, validating the mandate of Governor Okpebholo.
In a statement in Benin, Okpebholo praised the judiciary’s integrity, describing the ruling as a victory not just for All Progressives Congress (APC) but for democracy and rule of law in Edo, adding the verdict reaffirmed the will of Edo people
The Edo State Governor, meanwhile, urged the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the election, Asue Ighodalo to accept the judgment and embrace unity for the progress of the State.
He signalled all political actors in Edo, especially Ighodalo, to set politics aside for the progress of the State.
He urged Ighodalo and the opposition to reflect deeply on the judgement, adding that prolonged litigation distracts the incumbent from delivering good governance to the people.
Okpebholo reaffirmed his open-door policy, stating that Edo’s development remained the top priority, above partisan interest or political affiliations.
“Now is the time for statesmanship, he said, noting that the legal process has been exhausted, and the verdict was final and binding,” he said.
The governor noted that he remained committed to his people’s first agenda, focusing on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment across the state.
He called on citizens to remain peaceful and law-abiding, promising that his administration would intensify its people-centered development programmes with renewed energy.
With the legal battle now settled, Okpebholo reiterated that his government was ready to serve all Edo residents without exception or discrimination.
