Edo Governor-elect, Obaseki Promises ‘All Inclusive’ Government

 

 

The Governor-elect of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has promised to run an all-inclusive government when his ad­ministration is inaugurated.

In his speech after he was declared the winner of last Wednesday’s governorship election by the Independ­ent National Electoral Com­mission (INEC) in Benin, Obaseki said that he would not discriminate against any individual, group or political party because they opposed his candidature.

He appealed to the oppo­sition parties, especially the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which came up sec­ond in the fiercely contest­ed race, to join him to build a new Edo where everyone would be proud to associ­ate with.

According to the re­sults announced by INEC, Obaseki, the All Progres­sives Congress (APC) candidate won in Akoko-Edo, Ikpoba-Okha, Etsako West, Etsako East, Etsako Cenral, Owan East , Ovia North, Oredo, Uhunwomnde, Ig­ueben, Egor and Owan West local government areas.

His closest rival, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the PDP, won in Esan North Central, Esan West, Orhionmwon, Esan South East and Esan North East local government areas.

Obaseki polled a total of 319, 483 votes as against the 253, 173 votes recorded by Ize-Iyamu.

He said that, “It is with great humility and abiding faith in God Almighty that I accept this pronouncement of my victory as the next gover­nor of Edo State. This is a his­toric victory for all Edo citi­zens and our party, the APC. It underscores clearly your preference for the continuity and consolidation of our pro­grammes.

“More importantly, by your votes you clearly af­firmed your faith in my ability to lead our State forward into a new era. This is a responsibil­ity Philip Shaibu, my running mate, and myself do not take lightly. Our promise to build a State anchored on a produc­tive economy that will trans­form and empower our citi­zens is sincere.

“The elections are over; it is time to bury the hatchet and close ranks for the good of our dear State. Our State is superi­or to all other interests and we must, as individuals, subordi­nate our personal ambitions to that of the collective.

“Let me say that a new future beckons. I pledge to work tirelessly for the good of all Edo people, irrespective of gender, social status, ethnicity, religion or political affiliation”.