Arising from the fallout of the just concluded Edo State governorship election wherein the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Monday Okpebholo, was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the state governor, Godwin Obaseki has appealed for calm from residents in the state.
Obaseki who made the appeal through an online broadcast noted the outcome of last Saturday’s election appeared to have daunted the spirit of many Edo people who feel powerless in the face of the brute force of the institutions that are supposed to protect them.
The governor said: “In the last few months, the various political parties have embarked on very rigorous campaigns to sell their respective candidates for the office of governor to the people of Edo State in an exercise which came to a climax yesterday with the gubernatorial election.
“The attractive thing about democracy is the power it bestows on the people to choose who governs them. Therefore, when this power is blatantly seized from the people, it is not just a tragedy, but a travesty of democracy.
“Regrettably, the outcome of the September 21st governorship election appears to have daunted the spirit of many Edo people who feel powerless in the face of the brute force of 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 despair, I am urging all my fellow Edo citizens to maintain calm and not resort to violence and destruction of property in spite of this provocation.
“Peace and justice will always win at 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 disregard for processes and law that was displayed in this gubernatorial election.
“In a democracy, there are safeguards for addressing grievances, and we hope that those affected will seek resolution for this blatant disregard of law and process.
“With this in mind, I implore all Edo people to go about their lawful businesses and rest assured of the commitment of our government to your wellbeing and security.”
INEC, on Sunday declared Okpebholo winner of the election after garnering 291,667 votes to defeat his closest rival and candidate of the Peoples Democratic (Party PDP), Dr. Asue Ighodalo, who pulled 247, 274 votes
However, Olumide Akpata, former president of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and candidate of Labour Party, came distant third in the election with 22, 763 votes.
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