The Deputy President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has applauded Thursday’s Supreme Court judgement that upheld the election of Senator Monday Okpebholo, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as governor of Edo State.
Reacting to the Supreme Court’s verdict that effectively resolved the September 21, 2024 poll, Senator Omo-Agege said Nigeria’s institutions are proving to be not only resilient but fair and responsive.
“Despite the challenges of nationhood Nigeria faces, our institutions, especially those that manage the electoral process have often proved that they are alive to the spirit of an accountable and constitutional democracy. After the several layers of contests available to all aggrieved parties, the courts have scrupulously proved that when people vote, their votes count.
“I congratulate Governor Monday Okpebholo on his resounding victory not just at the polls but also at the courts. The joy in the judgement is that it came in quick time, removing all distractions to delivering on his promises to the people of Edo State and he can get down to work.
“I urge Governor Okpebholo to run an inclusive government while advancing the common interests of the citizens of the State.
“I also urge the aggrieved parties and the people of Edo State to cooperate fully with Governor Okpebholo and watch him deliver on his campaign promises,” the former Deputy President of the Senate said, adding that Okpebholo has already shown signs of restoring the hopes and expectations of the people of Edo State since his inauguration.
A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, dismissed as lacking in merit an appeal by Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to nullify the outcome of the governorship election that held in the state on September 21, 2024.