By Ayomide Otitoju
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has expressed confidence that the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, will fail at the Appellate Court. Speaking on Friday at the Okaijesan Town Hall in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, during a celebration of his election tribunal victory, Okpebholo dismissed the opposition’s challenge.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the Governor thanked Edo residents for their support and assured them that his administration would maintain its momentum of development. He reiterated that Ighodalo and the PDP were within their rights to appeal the tribunal ruling, which had declared him and the All Progressives Congress (APC) victorious, but remained confident of a favorable outcome.
“The opposition party has been loud in their protests, but the people of Edo spoke clearly with their votes on September 21, 2024,” Okpebholo stated. “We defeated them at the Tribunal, and whether they appeal or even reach the Supreme Court, we will defeat them. They may waste their stolen funds on court cases, but they will not steal the mandate given to me and the APC.”
The Governor also outlined plans to further develop Esan land, particularly through road infrastructure. He revealed that his administration had awarded a contract to dualize the road from Ekpoma to Ubiaja, a move he believes will significantly boost economic activities in the area.
“In the early days of our administration, we focused on making sure roads across Edo State are motorable. The roads in Enewa now look like those in Abuja,” he said, emphasizing the importance of improving road networks to facilitate trade and growth. “We have already begun the dualization of the Ekpoma to Ubiaja road, which will ease traffic flow and stimulate economic activity.”
Okpebholo also promised that his administration’s soft loan program would soon benefit the people of Esan land, with disbursements expected within two weeks. “The money is ready, and we are compiling the names of those interested in receiving the loans,” he assured.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Ikhilor, celebrated the double victory achieved by the Governor, both in the September 21st governorship election and the subsequent affirmation by the election petition tribunal. “We thank God for the double victory,” Ikhilor said. “The Tribunal has confirmed that Governor Okpebholo is the true elected leader of Edo State.”
Leader of the Arewa community in Esan land, Bawa Umar, commended Okpebholo for his leadership, particularly in ensuring peace and stability following the Uromi killings. He praised the Governor’s visit to Kano State to condole with the state’s Governor, calling it a testament to his peace-building efforts and character.
