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.
Ikpeazu, while reacting to the final declaration of results of yesterday’s gubernatorial election in Edo State by the Independent National Electoral Commission, through his Chief Press Secretary, Onyebuchi Ememanka, said the governor’s victory was reaffirmation of people’s sovereignty.
He stated that 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.
“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,” he said.
The governor also hailed the statesmanship of President Muhammadu Buhari for standing firm on the side of our 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 commended the steadfastness of 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.
“I salute the courage of the people of Edo State who were relentless in the defence of their rights to elect a Governor of their choice and bluntly refusing to kowtow to any external influences.
“Governor Ikpeazu, on behalf of the Government and People of Abia State wishes Governor Obaseki and the people of Edo State more successes as they commence another democratic journey after a well deserved victory,” he added.
