President Bola Tinubu has called on the Edo State governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to prioritize the development of his state.
He also assured him of the full support of the federal government and the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF).
According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), President Tinubu gave the advice on Thursday in Abuja during a meeting with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) party, where the Edo governor-elect and the deputy governor-elect, Rep. Dennis Idahosa, presented their certificates of return.
Tinubu emphasized the importance of good governance and delivering results to the people of Edo State.
‘’Governor-elect, you can now face the task of development. We are here to work with you. You have seen the progressive governors of the APC. They are truly progressive. Work with them. Learn the ropes, and I believe you are up to the task,” he said.
Acknowledging the challenges of democracy, particularly in emerging economies like Nigeria, the President added, ”You have earned the victory. Democracy is difficult, particularly in emerging democracies and economies like ours.”
”If you hear complaints from places like America, you know how difficult it is to navigate democracy. But it remains the best form of government.”
The President congratulated Okpebholo and his deputy and described them as ”a good symbol of people ordained by God to work together.”
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”You started as rivals and ended up as partners. You are a symbol of good understanding in politics; the man at our party’s helm has been through it before.”
”In Kano, he was a front runner, became a second runner, and became a deputy before he eventually became a governor,” he said.
President Tinubu acknowledged the role played by the former Edo State governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the progressive governors, and the APC leadership in the successful outcome of the gubernatorial election in Edo.
”I saw Adams Oshiomhole radiating in joy… sincerely, the governors showed up in Edo, and they impressed me. They defended the party. They worked hard for the party,” he remarked.
President Tinubu also commended INEC and the security agencies for ensuring a peaceful and organized election, with no reports of violence or disturbances.
”I must thank the security agencies. There was no bloodshed, no riot; people voted and went back to their houses in peace, and the fears dissipated instantly,” he said.
The President urged the party leadership and membership to remain united and focused on achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda.
”Never mind the noisemakers. I do a lot of statistical sampling and results. When you hear politicians saying ‘all politics is local,’ you must respect that notion.”
”When you see the stability in the Edo North senatorial district, we see a man who won the Central senatorial district and a candidate who has won a seat in the South senatorial district; we did a match- which turned out to be a winning match,” he said.
President Tinubu also commented on the heavy downpour on Election Day in Edo and the electorate’s commitment to voting in the rain without using an umbrella.
”It is a very punching illustration,” the President said, referring to remarks made by the National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Ganduje, about the election-day rains in Edo.
In his remarks, Senator Abdullahi Ganduje, the party’s national chairman, commended the leadership and support of the President, the governors, and all stakeholders.
”On the day of the election, there was an exciting scenario: it was raining heavily, yet people came out to vote without using an umbrella. Your Excellency, the people were convinced that our party is the party to be voted for, and we won the election,” he said.
The APC National Chairman noted that the party’s next focus is securing victories in the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Ondo and Anambra states.
”The election in Anambra is part of our programme, ‘Political de-marginalization of the Southeast geopolitical zone.’”
”Having only two states in the Southeast as APC is too small for us. We need more states from the Southeast geo-political zone,” he said.
Speaking to correspondents after the meeting with the President, Okpebholo pledged to be a servant of the people in office.
He also said he would be prepared to work with the opposition if they provide good ideas.
He stated: “For me, I’m coming as a servant to serve the Edo people. That is what is required of me, and that is what exactly I’m going to do.”
“So, very soon, you will see a lot of development coming up in Edo. We are going to employ teachers. We are going to renovate our schools… a lot will be happening over time. So, with time, you’ll recognize that a new dawn has happened.”
Asked if he would bring everyone on board his administration, he said: “If they have an idea that is beautiful, that is acceptable by the people, then why not? My door is open to everybody.”
He urged those who lost the election to accept the outcome with patience.
“They have to bear it. They have to wait. It has happened. If I had lost, I would have borne it, and I would have, by now, congratulated the winner. So, I’m expecting them to congratulate me,” Okpebholo stated.
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