Governor Monday Okpebholo has declared that the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, against his victory in the September 21, 2024, governorship election will amount to nothing and crash at the Court of Appeal.
According to a statement signed by
Fred Itua, the
Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor,
he made this known on Friday at Okaijesan Town Hall, Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, during a victory celebration hosted by Edo Central leaders following his recent triumph at the election petition tribunal.
Governor Okpebholo, addressing party faithful, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders, expressed gratitude to Edo people for their overwhelming support and unflinching prayers. He assured them that his administration remains committed to sustaining the pace of developmental progress across the state.
“The opposition party has been talking and shouting, but Edo people spoke very clear and loud with their votes on September 21, 2024,” the governor said. “Edo people voted for the right person in Senator Monday Okpebholo. The people will speak again when the time is right.”
He continued: “We have defeated them at the Tribunal, and they said they want to appeal the ruling. If they like, let them appeal and even get to the Supreme Court. We will defeat them. They have stolen enough money from Edo State. So, they are wasting the money on court cases. If they like, let them spend the whole money they stole from the people. They will never steal Edo people’s mandate given to me and the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
Okpebholo also used the occasion to unveil some major infrastructure projects, especially in Esan land, where he hails from. He revealed that his administration had already awarded a contract to dualise the old road from Ekpoma to Ubiaja, to enhance mobility and stimulate economic activities in the region.
“As we won this election, the first thing we did was to make sure our roads were motorable across Edo State,” he said. “If you come to Enewa now, it’s looking like Abuja, as we are putting our efforts to ensure we have good roads to boost economic activities.”
He added: “I know the problem of Edo State and Esan land. I have already awarded the old road from Ekpoma to Ubiaja to be dualized. There will be much space to enable vehicles to pass freely without hitting each other. When completed, this road will boost economic activities in the area.”
Speaking on social empowerment, Governor Okpebholo reiterated his promise of a soft loan scheme for traders and small business owners.
“The people have spoken, and by the grace of God very soon, what we promised our people, they will start enjoying it,” he said. “The soft loan we talked about — our people will soon start getting the money. They will soon start to enjoy it. It will start happening in less than two weeks. The money is ready. Names are being compiled for the interested people who want the loan.”
Also speaking at the event, Secretary to the Edo State Government, Mr. Umar Musa Ikhilor, described the Tribunal victory as “a divine affirmation of the people’s will.”
“God gave us double victory on Wednesday at the Tribunal judgment,” Ikhilor said. “We are grateful to God Almighty and the people of Edo State for their continuous prayers and support. Governor Monday Okpebholo, who won the governorship election, has been affirmed as the true elected Governor by the election petition Tribunal in Abuja.”
In his goodwill message, the leader of the Arewa community in Esan land, Alhaji Bawa Umar, praised Governor Okpebholo for his efforts to maintain peace and stability across the state, especially after the unfortunate Uromi killings.
“The governor’s visit to Kano State to condole with the Governor of Kano after the tragedy speaks volumes about his character,” Bawa said. “He is a gentleman and a man of peace. We are proud of him.”
The celebration marks the beginning of a thank-you tour by the governor across Edo State, following his confirmation as the validly elected governor by the Tribunal.
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