By Tajudeen Balogun
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has urged the candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21, 2024 governorship election in the state, Asue Ighodalo, to accept the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which affirmed his victory on Thursday.
The New Diplomat reports that the Court of Appeal, in its judgment delivered on Thursday, upheld the decision of the State’s Election Petition Tribunal, which affirmed Okpebholo as the duly elected Governor of the South South State.
In a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Ituah, Okpebholo described the judgment as a confirmation of the people’s will and should serve as a clear signal for all political actors, especially Ighodalo.
Okpebholo in the statement commended the judiciary for its diligence and commitment to justice.
He affirmed that the ruling is not just a victory for his party, the ruling All Progressives Congress, ((APC) but a triumph for democracy and the rule of law in Edo State.
Okpebholo urged the opposition PDP and Asue Ighodalo to reflect on the judgment, noting that the prolonged litigation only serves to distract from the urgent task of governance.
He therefore extended an olive branch to all, irrespective of political leanings, emphasising that the development of the State remains paramount.
The statement reads in part: “This ruling is not just a victory for our party, the ruling All Progressives Congress, but a triumph for democracy and the rule of law in our Edo State.
“Governor Okpebholo urges the opposition and Asue Ighodalo to reflect on the judgment. The prolonged litigation only serves to distract from the urgent task of governance and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
“The governor has consistently extended an olive branch to all, irrespective of political leanings, emphasising that the development of our dear state remains paramount. He reiterates this call.
“Now is the time to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and statesmanship. The legal process has run its course, and the judgment of the Court of Appeal is clear.”
Okpebholo assured the people of Edo State that he remains fully committed to his “people first” agenda, which is focused on accelerated development across all sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
“The government of Governor Monday Okpebholo is re-energised by this affirmation of its mandate and will continue to work tirelessly to serve the best interests of every”, the statement restated.
The New Diplomat reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on September 23, 2024, declared Okpebholo the winner of Edo Governorship election, having scored 291,667 votes, as against his main challenger, Ighodalo, who polled 247,274 votes.
