Edo State Governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, on Thursday, declared that it is time for him to work.
This comes after the Independent National Electoral Commission officially presented certificates of return to him and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa.
The certificates were handed over by INEC’s National Commissioner for Edo State, Rhoda Gumus, on Thursday, five days after the duo was declared winners of the Edo governorship election.
Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress candidate, secured 291,667 votes, winning 11 out of the 18 Local Government Areas.
His closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the People’s Democratic Party, garnered 247,274 votes, winning seven LGAs, while the Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata finished third with 22,761 votes.
Speaking after receiving his certificate, Okpebholo expressed his commitment to serving the people of Edo State.
“I feel very happy, and it is time for me to work, and that is what I am going to do,” he said.
A former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomole, praised the outcome, stating that the new administration would respect the people and traditional institutions.
“Edo people now have a new government who will not disrespect the people. We now have a governor that respects the traditional institutions and knows what is good for the people of Edo State,” Oshiomole said.
The ceremony, held in Benin City, was attended by various dignitaries, including APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, court-reinstated Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, and other notable figures from the state.
Okpebholo is set to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki, whose tenure concludes on November 11.
