The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Saturday accused individuals who fabricated election results and disseminated them on social media during the governorship election of being the same people now alleging that the polls were rigged.
Okpebholo made the statement at the Esan Central Local Government Council Secretariat during a homecoming reception organised by the Esan people to celebrate his victory.
While expressing gratitude to the people of Edo State for their support, the governor asserted that those who lost the election were discontented because their plans to manipulate the results had failed.
He said, “I thank the leadership of my party, especially our President, Bola Tinubu, for standing firm for justice and allowing equity to prevail, which led to the success and victory recorded by our party.
“The people that wrote results and were announcing fake results on the internet are the same people crying today that somebody rigged the election.
“It is sad to say that the criminals are crying today that they have lost and will continue to lose. They are spending money day and night, wasting their money, and will wait in vain.
“Edo people have spoken; they have chosen the path of development, peace, and unity. This is what Edo people have chosen, and that is how it will remain.
“I want to thank the Esan people for standing by me and ensuring a sound victory. Thank you for the confidence reposed in me, and thank you for your vote. This crowd has shown that you people voted for me.
“I will not disappoint Edo people, I will not disappoint Esan people, I will do the right thing and allow justice to prevail.
“I thank the traditional rulers in the entire Esan land, leaders of Esan land, party leaders, and all that stood by me to become the governor of Edo State, and above all, I give God the glory.”
The Onojie of Uromi, His Royal Highness Anselm Aidenojie II, expressed the joy of the Esan people over having one of their own as the governor of the state.
He stated, “We, the traditional rulers from Esan land, went round the state to appeal for support to produce the governor, and today it’s a reality. We thank the Oba of Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II, and we are grateful for all the support. We believe that the governor will deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Edo State.”
The Acting State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, also commended Edo people for their mandate, highlighting the governor’s prompt efforts since his inauguration.
He said, “We are happy to celebrate the victory God Almighty has given to us, and we thank Edo people for the mandate as all can see that the governor has hit the ground running. This is how it will be in the next eight years. In the last eight years, there was no governance as Governor Okpebholo started where Comrade Adams Oshiomhole stopped.”
The welcome reception, organised by the Esan people, was attended by several dignitaries, including traditional rulers from Edo Central, the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Musa Ikhilor, the Chief of Staff to the governor, Gani Audu, members of the Edo State House of Assembly, top government officials, and party faithful, among others.