Tinubu urges Edo governor-elect to prioritize development, assures support

By Kunle Sanni

President Bola Tinubu has called on Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to prioritize the development of the state, assuring him of full support from the Federal Government and the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF).

The President made this call on Thursday in Abuja during a meeting with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where Okpebholo and his deputy, Rep. Dennis Idahosa, presented their certificates of return.

In his address, detailed via a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), President Tinubu emphasized the importance of delivering good governance for the people of Edo State.

“Governor-elect, you can now focus on the task of development. We are here to work with you. You have seen the progressive governors of the APC. They are truly progressive. Work with them, learn the ropes, and I believe you are up to the task,” he said.

Acknowledging the challenges of democracy, particularly in emerging economies like Nigeria, the President added, “You have earned the victory. Democracy is difficult, especially in emerging democracies and economies like ours.

“If you hear complaints from places like America, you know how difficult it is to navigate democracy. But it remains the best form of government.”

The President congratulated Senator Okpebholo and his deputy, describing them as a “good symbol of people ordained by God to work together.”

“You started as rivals and ended up as partners. You are a symbol of good understanding in politics. The man at the helm of our party has been through it before.

“In Kano, he was a front-runner, became a second runner, and then a deputy before eventually becoming a governor,” he said.

President Tinubu acknowledged the role played by former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the progressive governors, and the APC leadership in the successful outcome of the gubernatorial election in Edo.

“I saw Adams Oshiomhole radiating with joy. Sincerely, the governors impressed me. They defended the party and worked hard for it,” he remarked.

President Tinubu also commended INEC and the security agencies for ensuring a peaceful and organized election, with no reports of violence or disturbances.

“I must thank the security agencies. There was no bloodshed, no riots. People voted and went back to their homes in peace, and the fears dissipated instantly,” he said.

The President urged the party leadership and members to remain united and focused on achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Never mind the noise makers. I do a lot of statistical sampling and analysis. When you hear politicians saying ‘all politics is local,’ you must respect that notion.

“When you see the stability in the Edo North Senatorial District, and the fact that we won in the Central Senatorial District and also secured a candidate in the South Senatorial District, we realized it was a winning match,” he said.

President Tinubu also commented on the heavy downpour on Election Day in Edo and the electorate’s commitment to voting in the rain without using umbrellas.

“It is a very telling illustration,” the President said, referring to remarks made by the National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Ganduje, about the election-day rains in Edo.

In his remarks, Senator Abdullahi Ganduje, the party’s national chairman, commended the leadership and support of the President, the governors, and all stakeholders.

“On the day of the election, there was an exciting scenario: it was raining heavily, yet people came out to vote without using umbrellas. Your Excellency, the people were convinced that our party was the right choice, and we won the election,” he said.

The APC National Chairman noted that the party’s next focus is securing victories in the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Ondo and Anambra states.

“The election in Anambra is part of our programme, ‘Political De-marginalization of the Southeast Geopolitical Zone.’

“Having only two APC states in the Southeast is too small for us. We need more states from the Southeast geopolitical zone,” he said.