Incumbent governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged the people of Edo State to maintain composure and exercise calmness in the face of provocation following the outcome of the governorship election held on Saturday September 21, 2024.
Obaseki, in a Live broadcast shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Faruq Adamu Kuta, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the election with 291,667 votes, while Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came second with a total of 247,274 votes
He expressed rude shock over the blatant disregards to law and order, regretting that institutions saddled with the responsibility of protecting the people, turned to hunt them.
Hear him: “My dear good people if Edo State, in the last few months, the various political parties have embarked on rigorous campaigns to sell their respective candidates for the office of governor to serve the Edo State in an exercise which came to a climax yesterday.
“The attractive thing about democracy, is the power it bestows on the people to chose who governs them.
“Therefore, when this power is blatantly sized from the people, it is not just a tragedy, but a travesty of democracy.
“Regrettably, the outcome of the September 21, governorship election, appears to have daunted the spirits of many Edo people who feel powerless in the face of the brut force if 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 dispel, I am urging all my fellow Edo citizens to maintain calm and not resort to violence and the 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.
“Clearly, it is obvious to the least discerning the amount of impunity and reckless disregards for processes and laws that was displayed in this gubernatorial election.
“In a democracy, there are always safeguards for addressing grievances and we hope that all those affected will seek resolution for this blatant disregards for law and process.
“With this in mind, I employ all Edo people to go about their lawful businesses and rest assured of the commitment of our government to your well-being and security, “, he stressed.
