Godwin Obaseki addressing the press with the APC state Chairman, Anslem Ojezua, (LEFT) and Secretary APC, Chief Osaro Idah (Right)

Jethro Ibileke/Benin

Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the Governor-elect of Edo state, Thursday described his election as a historic victory for Edo people and for the APC.

He stated this on Thursday in Benin, while making his acceptance speech, following the declaration by INEC as the winner of the September 28 gubernatorial election.

Obaseki who said he accepted his election with great humility and abiding faith in God Almighty, added that it was a historic victory for all Edo citizens and the APC, and that “it underscores clearly your preference for the continuity and consolidation of our programmes.”

While promising not to disappoint those who voted him as governor, Obaseki said his election is a responsibility that he and his running mate, Philip Shaibu, will not take lightly.

“Our promise to build a state anchored on a productive economy that will transform and empower our citizens is sincere. We promised jobs.We promised empowerment of our citizens. We promised improved social welfare services, and a more secured state. We will strive to deliver on all of these promises. As we traveled all over our great state selling our programmes, we also took note of your concerns and problems, and I want to assure you that we will do everything in our power to address them,” he said.

While expressing joy that the elections were generally peaceful with no loss of lives; Obaseki commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as well as the security agencies, for their role in maintaining peace and order during the elections.

He also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, for his commitment to a new order in Nigeria, just as he acknowledged and appreciated the support received from all the APC Governors and the leadership of APC.

“The elections are over; it is time to bury the hatchet and close ranks for the good of our dear state. Our state is superior to all other interests and we must, as individuals, subordinate our personal ambitions to that of the collective. Let me say that a new future beckons. I pledge to work tirelessly for the good of all Edo people, irrespective of gender, social status, ethnicity, religion or political affiliation,” Obaseki pledged.

Odigie-Oyegun, Ambode, Bello congratulate Obaseki

Meanwhile, the National Chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun on Thursday congratulated the Party’s Candidate and running mate, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and Philip Shuaibu respectively on their election victory.

In a message issued yesterday evening on behalf of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), Odigie-Oyegun thanked the good people of Edo State for the massive turnout during the election.

The APC National Chairman also congratulated political parties and their candidates that contested the Edo governorship election for the fair play and relatively peaceful conduct displayed during the election exercise. He called for calm and appealed to the opposition parties to accept defeat in good faith.

“The people of Edo state voted to ensure continuity and consolidation of the massive multi-faceted developments recorded under the administration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole. The Party assures that we will deliver on this expectation,” the APC National Chairman said.

Also, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has congratulated the Edo people and the APC over the victory of the party’s candidate in the state’s governorship poll, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, saying the victory is further confirmation of Nigerians’ belief in the Change Agenda of the party under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Governor, who stated this through a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Kingsley Fanwo, hailed the conduct of INEC, the Edo people and security agencies, who ensured a hitch-free exercise.

“I salute the gallantry of the Edo people who conducted themselves peacefully throughout the election. They spoke with a united voice in support of the change agenda of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission also used the Edo poll to prove to the outside world its efficiency, ingenuity and neutrality. The security agencies, poll observers and all stakeholders who made it possible to conduct a free, fair and credible poll in Edo State.

“My message to the Edo people is to believe in Obaseki. My message to Obaseki, the Governor-Elect, is to build on the solid legacies of the Comrade Governor, Adams Oshiomhole. You have spoken today. In the next four years, Edo State will be better.

“Obaseki is an excellent technocrat, an administrator per excellence, a pragmatic leader. It is time to bring all these qualities to bear on the development of Edo State. As neighbors, Kogi and Edo states will continue to collaborate for development.”

Governor Bello eulogized the outgoing Governor of the State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, for “changing the face of politics in Edo State to that of development and of transformation”, saying his years in Edo State “heralded true change and progress.”

In the same vein, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday also congratulated Obaseki, describing him as the right chioce for people of Edo in a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Habib Aruna.

The Lagos State governor said that the development was not just a victory for democracy, but the people, who he said would experience continuity in terms of dividends of democracy.

Ambode, who chaired the APC National Campaign Committee for the election, said the people of Edo voted for continuity of people-friendly policies and programmes.

He urged relevant stakeholders to accept the verdict and work with Obaseki to move the state forward, noting that “like I said during the grand rally of our great party – APC, at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin some few weeks back, Edo, being the heartbeat of the South-South region, has all it takes to become another Lagos.

“The decision of the people to speak with their votes in support of Obaseki is a signpost of their readiness for greatness.

“It is a testament to the monumental successes recorded in the last seven and half years by the incumbent governor, Mr Adams Oshiomhole.

“We are enjoying dividends of democracy in Lagos today because of the decision of the people to vote for continuity of good governance.

“I am glad that the people of Edo have also towed that path and the result will definitely translate to improved social services and welfare of the people.”

Ambode said that judging by the antecedents of Obaseki, he was certain that Edo was set for transformation and consolidation of the achievements of the outgoing administration.

According to him, Oshiomhole has laid the right foundation for progressive governance.

He added that “with the decision to vote Obaseki who is equally people-friendly, reliable, trustworthy, and has the fear of God, the people have made the right choice and I can only urge them to continue to support him to deliver on the campaign promises.”

He also congratulated the people of Edo for the orderliness and for being peaceful throughout the period of the election and  urged those who were aggrieved to channel their grievances to the appropriate quarters. (NAN)