Okpebholo urges Ighodalo to accept appeal court verdict, embrace unity
By Nefishetu Yakubu
Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo, on Thursday urged PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo to accept the Court of Appeal judgment affirming his electoral victory and embrace unity for the progress of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Appeal Court, in its judgment on Thursday, upheld the earlier tribunal ruling, validating the mandate of Gov. Okpebholo.
In a statement in Benin, Okpebholo said the verdict reaffirmed the will of Edo people and signalled all political actors, especially Ighodalo, to set politics aside for the progress of the state.
Okpebholo praised the judiciary’s integrity, describing the ruling as a victory not just for APC but for democracy and rule of law in Edo.
He urged Ighodalo and the opposition to reflect deeply on the judgment, adding that prolonged litigation distracts the incumbent from delivering good governance to the people.
Okpebholo reaffirmed his open-door policy, stating that Edo’s development remained the top priority, above partisan interest or political affiliations.
“Now is the time for statesmanship, he said, noting that the legal process has been exhausted, and the verdict was final and binding,” he said.
The governor noted that he remained committed to his people’s first agenda, focusing on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment across the state.
He called on citizens to remain peaceful and law-abiding, promising that his administration would intensify its people-centred development programmes with renewed energy.
With the legal battle now settled, Okpebholo reiterated that his government was ready to serve all Edo residents without exception or discrimination. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joe Idika
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