Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki on Monday vowed to double his efforts to develop the state.
He said this in reaction to the Supreme Court judgment which upheld his election.
Obaseki disclosed that the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate in the election, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, had called to congratulate him.
He said: “While we were in court, we were busy constructing the road that leads to Ize-Iyamu’s house.
“We pledged to work for all the people of Edo State. We will not discriminate.”
Obaseki said the Supreme Court’s judgment had invariably validated the perfection of the triumph of the will of the people and established the masses as the true and ultimate power of the nation’s evolving democracy.
He expressed the hope that the verdict by the Supreme Court, would make the opposition “come around and join hands with me to continue the building of our dear state which I actually started about eight months ago”.
“Last month, precisely on the 10th of June and earlier on Friday the 14th of April, 2017, the Appeal Court and the election petitions tribunal, respectively gave verdicts which mirrored this one given today by the Supreme Court, confirming that truth indeed is immutable.
“These serial victories at the polls and the various courts have undoubtedly given me and the good people of Edo State joy, but it should also teach us a vital lesson that at all times, no matter the severity of the odds, we must stand on the side of fidelity, honesty and truth.”
He commended the people of the state and his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole, for standing by him during the election and while the cases lasted in courts.
Obaseki thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for showing “firm commitment to democracy and good governance” and Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, for his wisdom, encouragement, relentless support and skillful leadership.
“The leadership of our great party, the APC, under Chief John Odigie Oyegun, remained an uncompromising pillar, keeping our party focused, passionate and effectively mobilized,” he added.