Gbenro Adesina
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) today issued certificates of return to Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and his Deputy Elect, Comrade Philip Shaibu, following their victory in Saturday’s governorship election in the State.
The certificates were presented in INEC’s office at Benin by the INEC’s National Commissioner supervising Edo, Rivers, and Bayelsa States, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu.
In his remarks after the collection of the certificate, Obaseki called on Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of the state and former Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC) as well as APC Governorship candidate in last Saturday’s election, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, to join hands with him in moving the state forward.
Commending President Muhammadu Buhari for ensuring free, fair and credible election, Obaseki stated, “I thank President Muhammadu Buhari for the part he played in ensuring a free, fair and credible election. He will be remembered as the father of democracy in Nigeria. He had a choice to ensure his party was declared winner but insisted that the right thing be done”.
Seeking the support of the opposition parties, he said, “I use this opportunity to reach out to our brothers on the other side of the divide as we are one family in the pursuit to provide public good for our citizens. The election shows that they trust us more now to provide leadership. It doesn’t mean the opposition parties don’t have a role to play. I use this opportunity to extend the hands of fellowship to my brother, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and his other colleagues in the APC as well as other parties to join hands with us to move Edo forward. I call on Adams Oshiomhole that the fight is over and he should come and join in building the house which he was part of, in laying the foundation. We have no malice but only disagree on the approach in moving Edo forward”.
