Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC on Friday says, his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki is currently hiding in the United States, US since he allegedly ran away from Nigeria and abandoned Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the last September 21 Governorship election in the State, categorically saying that, the PDP is making the people in the state to always celebrate, because, according to Okpebholo, all the money the PDP, the political party of ex-governor Obaseki allegedly stole were taken to the state Election Petition Tribunal and Appeal Court with the alleged intention to bribe the judges of the courts, but, the courts ruled otherwise and affirmed him as the winner of the guber poll.
Governor Okpebholo offered what he called a political amnesty to his co contender in the last year governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, calling on his opponent to accept the decisions of the lower tribunal court and Appeal court and decamped from PDP to join APC so that they can work together to move Edo State forward.
Details of the report as contained in the news releases made available by the Edo State Governor Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua reads verbatim below:
“Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has said the regular defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has given the people continuous cause for celebration.
The State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, party leaders, youths, market women and other party stalwarts, joined the Governor on a motorcade around Benin City to celebrate the Appeal Court judgment which gave victory to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the Governor, God will continue to give Edo people victory as He is in charge of affairs of the State.
“The PDP is making us celebrate in the State. We have defeated them in the governorship election, Tribunal and now at the Appeal Court. We will still defeat them at the Supreme Court. We will continue to defeat them,” he said.
The Governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his interest in the State, noting that Edo is enjoying development and growth.
According to him, “2027 is a done deal in Edo and Edo people will surely cast their votes for the President come 2027 and nobody can stop Edo people’s voice, not even the PDP.
“All the money they have stolen in Edo State was taken to court to buy judges and judgment but they failed as judges refused to be bought and they ensured they did the right thing.
“Those who wanted to steal the people’s mandate are crying that their mandate has been stolen. They are following their masters like Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mr Peter Obi who are leading them to form a coalition which will not stand.
“The time of PDP is over in Edo State, and under my watch, Edo people will continue to enjoy practical governance and development.
“The State is experiencing development and growth. The first flyover is under construction at Ikpoba-Hill in Ikpoba-Okah Local Government Area. The second and third is under way,” he added.
In a significant show of political magnanimity, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has offered an unconditional political amnesty to the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 21st September, 2024 governorship election in Edo, Mr. Asue Ighodalo.
Governor Okpebholo’s offer of political amnesty to Ighodalo, who has been sidelined by his political benefactors, is a show of true sportsmanship.
Governor Okpebholo who described Asue Ighodalo’s discomforting situation since he was defeated during the election as troubling, urged him to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) and contribute meaningfully to the ongoing development efforts across Edo State.
“I want to publicly invite Mr. Asue Ighodalo to join us in the APC so that, together, we can advance the cause of development in our dear State. Since his vision aligns with what we are already doing through God’s help, we believe he still has a role to play.
“Godwin Obaseki, who lured Asue Ighodalo to come and run for elections, is hiding in the United States of America. Half of Obaseki’s cabinet members who regarded Ighodalo as their own personal vending machine have all deserted him and are hiding abroad.
“As a brother who truly cares for Ighodalo’s wellbeing, I believe that this political amnesty will save him from this humiliation and loneliness. As a people, we have a task of ensuring that we continue to develop Edo State, protect our people, and work hard to re-elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. Asue Ighodalo can be useful in these key areas,” Governor Okpebholo stated.
Emphasizing the need for unity and reconciliation beyond political divides, Governor Okpebholo assured Ighodalo that any past political differences would be set aside if he chooses to accept the unconditional political amnesty.
“We are ready to forgive and move forward. What matters now is putting Edo State first. The time for politics is over. This is the time to work for the people and ensure that the dividends of democracy reach every corner of the State,” he declared.
Governor Okpebholo’s gesture is a deliberate move to foster peace and heal the divisions that emerged during the last governorship election in Edo State.
The Okpebholo-led administration has continued to prioritize peace, security, and sustainable development, and this latest call for unity is another strategic step towards deepening those efforts”.