Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, have been sworn in for a second term in office.
The inauguration event was held on Thursday at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the state capital.
Dignitaries in attendance include governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State; among others.
PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus was also present at the event with some other leaders of the party.
Governor Obaseki was returned elected after polling the highest number of votes in the keenly-contested poll conducted on Saturday, September 19.
The governor secured 307,955 of the total votes, 84,336 more votes than his closest rival Ize-Iyamu, who got 223, 619 votes.
Reelection
In the meantime, Governor Obaseki declares that his reelection is a reference point in Nigeria’s history and has restored confidence in the country’s democracy.
“What you, my dear people of Edo State, achieved on September 19 is the restoration of confidence in democracy and its institutions,” Obaseki said on Thursday during his inauguration for a second term in Benin City, Edo State.
“We have become a point of reference on how the will of the people can triumph in a democracy that functions properly.
“My reelection represents new hope. I see myself as a vessel in the redefinition of democracy in Nigeria and I am not unaware of the enormous responsibility this places on me.”
Appeal
For Obaseki, the task of making Edo State great again is an odious one. This, he noted, requires the contribution of every resident of the South-South state.
“It is time to heal. We are kith and kin with a common destiny. Let’s stop dwelling in the past,” Obaseki noted while extending a hand of fellowship to his opponents in the September 19th Edo Governorship election.
“It time to take our common destiny in our hands and commence the odious task of making Edo great again.”
While thanking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Edo residents for their support which ensured his reelection, Obaseki promised to improve on his performance and deliver democratic dividends to the people.
He promised to revamp the economy, tackle unemployment via the agriculture sector, and deliver quality healthcare to the people among others.
“I am encouraged by the trust you have bestowed on us and grateful for your belief in my leadership and my capacity to continue piloting the affairs of this great state,” the 63-year-old who defeated Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to win a second term, added.
Obaseki was returned elected by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after polling the highest number of votes in the keenly-contested poll.
“That Godwin Obaseki of PDP having satisfied the requirements of the law in meeting the 25 per cent in two-third of the local government areas in the state and having a margin of lead higher than the cancelled votes is hereby declared the winner and returned elected,” Professor Rem-Rukeh, INEC Returning Officer for the poll and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Petroleum Resources, stated.
The governor secured 307,955 of the total votes, 84,336 more votes than his closest rival Ize-Iyamu, who got 223, 619 votes.
Fourteen political parties fielded candidates to jostle for the office of the governor in the state.
