Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called on the defeated candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, to demonstrate the spirit of sportsmanship by accepting in good faith the judgement of the Court of Appeal Abuja Division, which dismissed his petition against his (Okpebholo) victory.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that the appellate court had on Thursday in a unanimous decision by the three-man appeal panel, upheld the decision of the Election Petition Tribunal which sat in Abuja which affirmed Okpebholo, candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the duly elected governor of Edo State.
A statement by the chief press secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, said, “This judgement, being a confirmation of the people’s will, should serve as a clear signal for all political actors, especially Asue Ighodalo, who has since been abandoned by his political godfather, Godwin Obaseki, to set aside partisan differences and join hands with the administration to build a more prosperous Edo State.
“Governor Monday Okpebholo commends the judiciary for its diligence and commitment to justice, and for once again demonstrating its role as the last hope of the common man. 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”.
While urging the opposition “and abandoned Asue Ighodalo” to reflect on the judgement, Okpebholo noted that a prolonged litigation only serves to distract from the urgent task of governance and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
According to the statement, “His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo 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 judgement of the Court of Appeal is clear.”
Governor Okpebholo assured the people of Edo State that he remained fully committed to his “People First” agenda, which is focused on accelerated development across all sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
“The administration of Governor Okpebholo urges all well-meaning citizens to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities. The Government of Governor Monday Okpebholo is re-energized by this affirmation of its mandate and will continue to work tirelessly to serve the best interests of every resident of Edo State”, Itua concluded.