Supreme Court victory a mandate for transformation – Gov Okpebholo

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has described the Supreme Court’s affirmation of his election victory as a resounding triumph for the people and a renewed mandate to transform the state.

Speaking to the people of Edo State shortly after the landmark judgment, Governor Okpebholo expressed deep gratitude, calling the ruling a powerful vindication of the people’s will as freely expressed during the September 2024 governorship election.

“About ten months ago, we won the most keenly contested governorship election in the history of our country. It was a contest in which an incumbent governor and his anointed candidate were firmly rejected by the people,” the governor declared. “Today, the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has affirmed that historic victory.”

Governor Okpebholo, speaking with characteristic humility, dedicated the legal triumph to the people of Edo State, the All Progressive Congress (APC), his family, and his team. He expressed deep gratitude to God for sustaining him through the legal battle and thanked the judiciary for its unwavering commitment to justice.

“At last, Edo people have won,” he said. “We won in September 2024. We won at the Tribunal. We won at the Court of Appeal. And now we have won at the Supreme Court. The long suspense is finally over.”

The governor acknowledged the collective frustration endured by citizens during the prolonged legal tussle and called for continued prayers and support as his administration begins tackling the development challenges facing the state.

In a sharp rebuke of past leadership, Governor Okpebholo lamented the degeneration of Edo into a hub of insecurity and lawlessness under the previous administration.

“Our state, once the heartbeat of the nation, became a shadow of itself, overtaken by criminals, cultism, greed, and fear. Our diaspora citizens avoided home, scared of kidnapping and violence. Our worship centres were desecrated, our women violated, and our youths murdered by untouchable gangs,” he noted.

“But today, I boldly declare: Edo State is free of those vices. All security agencies are hereby placed on red alert to crush these evils and reclaim our streets permanently.”

Rejecting the notion of political speeches without action, the governor emphasized that the time for long rhetoric is over. His administration, he stressed, is focused on results with a clear five-point development agenda driving his governance priorities.

Okpebholo reiterated his promise of a reconciliatory and inclusive government, stating that nothing meaningful can be achieved in an atmosphere of rancour.

“This judgment marks the end of the elections in Edo State. At every judicial level, from the Tribunal to the Supreme Court, the decision was unanimous: Asue Ighodalo and his PDP co-travellers were roundly defeated,” he said.

“What remains now is to repair the damage done by the Obaseki regime, ensure accountability, and reposition our state for the future.”

The governor paid glowing tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, describing him as “a father, mentor, and visionary leader,” whose Renewed Hope Agenda continues to reshape Nigeria. “Edo must align fully with that national vision,” Okpebholo affirmed.

He also extended gratitude to the revered Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II, for his prayers and fatherly guidance, and to the APC family and loyal supporters who “fought the good fight and delivered victory.”

Concluding with a powerful call to unity and healing, Governor Okpebholo urged all Edo citizens to set aside divisions and work together to build a stronger, more prosperous state.