The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has cited that Saturday’s governorship election have daunted the spirit of many Edo people and that the election was marred with disregard for processes and the rule of law.
The Independent National Electoral Commission{INEC}, on Sunday, announced Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress as the winner of the keenly contested governorship election
Okpebholo who secured the first spot with 291,667 votes, surpassing Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (247,274 votes) and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (22,761 votes).
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State is calling for calm after the recent election, In a statewide broadcast on Sunday night, he urged residents to remain peaceful and not resort to violence or property destruction, despite the outcome, He also encouraged those unhappy with the results to seek legal recourse, emphasizing that peace and justice ultimately prevail over violence.
He said, “In the last few months, the various political parties have embarked on very rigorous campaigns to sell their respective candidates for the office of governor to the people of Edo State in an exercise which came to a climax yesterday with the gubernatorial election.
“The attractive thing about democracy is the power it bestows on the people to choose who governs them. Therefore, when this power is blatantly seized from the people, it is not just a tragedy but a travesty of democracy
“Regrettably, the outcome of the September 21st governorship election appears to have daunted the spirit of many Edo people who feel powerless in the face of the brute force of the institutions that are supposed to protect them. It is, therefore, understandable that many people feel sad and aggrieved.
“But in the midst of this despair, I am urging all my fellow Edo citizens to maintain calm and not resort to violence and destruction of property in spite of this provocation.
“Peace and justice will always win in the end, and this is my prescription to all the good people of Edo State who feel vexed and violated at this time.”
Speaking further, Obaseki claimed that impunity and disregard for the electoral process was displayed during the election, which raises concerns for many election observers.
He added. “Clearly, it is obvious to the least discerning the amount of impunity and reckless disregard for processes and law that was displayed in this gubernatorial election.
“In a democracy, there are safeguards for addressing grievances, and we hope that those affected will seek resolution for this blatant disregard of law and process.
“With this in mind, I implore all Edo people to go about their lawful businesses and rest assured of the commitment of our government to your wellbeing and security.”
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