Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state has congratulated his Edo State counterpart, Mr. Godwin Noghegase Obaseki on his resounding reelection as Governor of Edo State.
Governor Ikpeazu, who was reacting to the final declaration of results of Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Edo State by the Independent National Electoral Commission, described the victory as a reaffirmation of the people’s sovereignty.
Ikpeazu said, “The result of the election shows clearly that the people of Edo State were not prepared to circumscribe their sovereignty under any circumstances. They have spoken clearly that no one can take away their rights to choose their own leader”.
According to Governor Ikpeazu in a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Onyebuchi Ememanka, Governor Obaseki has by sheer display of grit and uncommon courage restored the pride of the people of Edo State and their inalienable right to choose who governs them.
Ikpeazu while commending Edo people for their courage in defence of their rights to elect a Governor of their choice and bluntly refusing to kowtow to any external influences also saluted the statesmanship of President Muhammadu Buhari for standing firm on the side of the country’s constitutional democracy and a clear recognition of the rights of the people of Edo State to freely elect their own leaders by maintaining an admirable level of neutrality in the election.
He also lauded the steadfastness exhibited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for rising to the occasion when it mattered most and delivering an election that was generally free, fair and credible.
Ikpeazu who is the Deputy Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum also saluted the unity of purpose exhibited by the Governors elected under the platform of the party and indeed, the national leadership of the party for rallying support for their members, Governor Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Mr. Philip Shuaibu and wished the people “more successes as they commence another democratic journey after a well deserved victory”.
