Tag: Monday Okpebholo

  • Establish your transition team – Edo govt tells Okpebholo

    Establish your transition team – Edo govt tells Okpebholo

    The Edo State Government has written to Sen. Monday Okpebholo, the governor-elect, requesting him to establish his transition team.

    This team will collaborate with the outgoing administration’s transition team to ensure a seamless transfer of power.

    In a letter dated Oct. 10, 2024, Secretary to the State Government, Joseph Eboigbe, stated that forming the team would facilitate meaningful discussions and vital information sharing between both parties.

    He said the move followed Gov. Godwin Obaseki’s inauguration of a 20-member transition committee in July, chaired by Eboigbe, to oversee the smooth transition of power and knowledge.

    The letter reads: “I hope this message finds you in great spirits. As we prepare for the transition of power, we believe it is crucial to establish a smooth and effective collaboration between your team and our current administration.

    “To facilitate this process, we invite you and your party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to initiate the formation of your transition team at your earliest convenience.

    “Establishing this team will allow us to begin meaningful discussions and share vital information that will ensure a seamless transfer of responsibilities and continuity of governance.

    “We are committed to providing you with the necessary support and resources to make this transition as effective and efficient as possible.

    “Consequently, 14 October 2024 is proposed for the inaugural meeting for members of both Transition Committees. We look forward to your prompt response and to working closely with you and your team in the coming weeks.

    “Together, we can set the foundation for a successful administration that meets the expectations of our constituents. Thank you for your attention”.

  • Edo guber: Oba of Benin finally reacts over Okpebholo’s victory

    Edo guber: Oba of Benin finally reacts over Okpebholo’s victory

    Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Governor-elect of Edo State on Tuesday visited the Oba of Benin, and reiterated his pledge to fulfil his electoral promises to the people of the State.

    Okpebholo, who visited the Oba ahead of his swearing-in ceremony on November 12, also expressed gratitude to the Oba for his prayers for him during the election.

    Speaking during the visit, Oba Ewuare II congratulated Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, on their electoral victory and thanked the Almighty, his ancestors, and security agencies.

    Oba also thank President Bola Tinubu for the peaceful conduct of the Edo governorship election that was held on September 21.

    The traditional ruler, meanwhile, urged Okpebholo to deliver on his campaign promises because “God works in a mysterious way.” He expressed confidence in the governor-elect’s ability to provide good governance.

    The Oba also assured Okpebholo that the palace was open to him and offered continued prayers for the governor-elect’s success.

    “God works in mysterious ways. This palace is open to you. You will do your best to carry out the promises you made during your campaigns, and more blessings will come,” the Oba of Benin said.

    Some of Okpebholo’s campaign promises include providing interest-free loans to traders  and completing projects initiated by previous administrations.

    The governor-elect was accompanied by Sen Adams Oshiomhole and Comrade Philip Shaibu and leaders of the All Progressives Congress Campaign Council.

  • Sanwo-Olu to Okpebholo: “You are welcome to copy Lagos templates”

    Sanwo-Olu to Okpebholo: “You are welcome to copy Lagos templates”

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos  has pledged to support the Governor-elect of Edo, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, with development templates that worked for Lagos State.

    Sanwo-Olu made the pledge during a courtesy visit to him by  Okpebholo. The event held at the Lagos House, Marina, on Saturday.

    Okpebholo,  the Candidate of All Progressive Congress, defeated the Candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party,  Mr Asue Ighodalo,  at the Sept. 21 governorship election in Edo.

    “We welcome the brand new Governor-elect of Edo, distinguished Sen. Monday Okpebholo, here with his Deputy-elect, Idahosa, and current Deputy Governor of Edo, Comrade Philip Shuaib.

    “Your winning is for all Edo.  Everyone should join hands with you to develop Edo. I want to assure you that you are not the first that Lagos will be supporting in terms of development templates. There is nothing wrong with copying, you just need to copy well.

    “We will make all of our agencies that you believe will speak to the needs of Edo available to you,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    He said that the state government would give the governor-elect  ideas that  moved Lagos forward.

    “We are happy that you have used Lagos as your starting point to receive blessings and to acknowledge the small support that we gave. The people of Lagos State congratulate you.

    “Other contestants should come together and work with you so that you can develop Edo. I believe that is the right thing to say and the right thing to do.

    ”We saw during our visit that the state can be a lot better, and we believe you have a big heart to transform the state,” he said.

    Earlier, Okpebholo thanked the state government for support during the election. He also thanked Sanwo-Olu for advice. The governor-elect  called on other contestants in the election to join hands with him to move  Edo forward.

    ”We are grateful for the warm welcome, we are thankful for your unflinching support pre and post election. Your wealth of experience is immeasurable.

    “By the grace of God and the support of good people of Edo State, we will work to make the lives of our people better. I call on other contestants to join hands with me so we can give our people a brighter future,” he said.

  • What Tinubu told Edo Governor-elect

    What Tinubu told Edo Governor-elect

    President Bola Tinubu has advised Edo State governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to prioritise the development of his State while assuring him of the full support of the Federal Government and the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF).

    President Tinubu gave advice on Thursday in Abuja at a meeting with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress party, where the Edo Governor-elect and the Deputy Governor-elect, Rep. Dennis Idahosa, presented their certificates of return.

    President Tinubu emphasised the importance of good governance and delivering results to the people of Edo State.

    ‘’Governor-elect,  you can now face the task of development. We are here to work with you. You have seen the progressive governors of APC. They are truly progressive. Work with them. Learn the ropes, and I believe you are up to the task,” he said.

    Acknowledging the challenges of democracy, particularly in emerging economies like Nigeria, the President added, ”You have earned the victory. Democracy is difficult, particularly in emerging democracies and economies like ours.

    ”If you hear complaints from places like America, you know how difficult it is to navigate democracy. But it remains the best form of government. ”

    The President congratulated Senator Okpebholo and his deputy and described them as a ”good symbol of people ordained  by God to work together.”

    ”You started as rivals and ended us as partners. You are a symbol of good understanding in politics; the man at our party’s helm has been through it before.

    ”In Kano, he was a front runner, became a second runner, and became a deputy before he eventually became a governor,” he said.

    President Tinubu acknowledged the role played by former Edo state governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the progressive governors and the APC leadership in the successful outcome of the gubernatorial election in Edo.

    ”I saw Adams Oshiomhole radiating in joy… sincerely the governors showed up in Edo, they impressed me. They defended the party. They worked hard for the party,” he remarked.

    President Tinubu also commended INEC and the security agencies for ensuring a peaceful and organised election, with no reports of violence or disturbances.

    ”I must thank the security agencies. There was no bloodshed, no riot, people voted and went back to their houses in peace, and the fears dissipated instantly, ” he said.

    The President urged the party leadership and membership to remain united and focused on achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    ”Never mind the noise makers. I do a lot of statistical sampling and results. When you hear politicians saying ‘all politics is local’, you must respect that notion.

    ”When you see the stability in the Edo North senatorial district, we see a man that won the Central senatorial district and a candidate who has won a seat in the south senatorial district; we did a match- which turned out to be a winning match,” he said.

    President Tinubu also commented on the heavy downpour on Election Day in Edo and the electorate’s commitment to voting in the rain without using an umbrella.

    ”It is a very punching illustration,” the President said, referring to remarks made by the National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Ganduje, about the election-day rains in Edo.

    In his remarks, Senator Abdullahi Ganduje, the party’s national chairman, commended the leadership and support of the President, the governors, and all stakeholders.

    ”On the day of the election, there was an exciting scenario: it was raining heavily, yet people came out to vote without using an umbrella. Your Excellency, the people were convinced that our party is the party to be voted for, and we won the election, ” he said.

  • What I’d have done if I lost Edo governorship election – Okpebholo

    What I’d have done if I lost Edo governorship election – Okpebholo

    Governor-elect, Mr Monday Okpebholo has said he would have by now congratulated the winner of the governorship election conducted in Edo State last Saturday if he lost the election.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Okpebholo said this while briefing State House correspondents, after presenting his certificate of return to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Thursday.

    Okpebholo said his election as Governor of Edo signals a new dawn for the State while promising to work with the opposition if they had good ideas.

    “I think Edo people have spoken with their votes. For me, I’m coming as a servant to serve the Edo people. That is what is required of me, and that is exactly what I am going to do.

    “So, very soon we will see a lot of developments coming to Edo. We are going to employ teachers, we are going to integrate our schools, a lot will be happening over time,” he said.

    Okpebholo promised to run an open-door administration and urged those who lost to bear the loss.

    “If I had lost, I would have to bear it and I would have by now congratulated the winner. So, I’m expecting them to congratulate me,“ he said.

    Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who accompanied the Governor-elect, said God made Okpebholo’s victory possible.

    “God confers power. Man can make all the efforts but if God chooses not to crown it, it will be in vain. I am excited that we have reclaimed a new state almost in the same manner that we reclaimed it from PDP in 2007 before Obaseki took it away from us.

    “My joy is the fact that Edo people will now have a governor that they can hug, they can touch, they can feel. And a governor that will open the doors,” he said.

    According to Oshiomhole, the governor-elect is at home with the ordinary people and understands the challenges of the rural poor.

    “So, they are all excited now that they are back again with a governor that they can say, this is my governor. Incidentally, his name translated in English means the rescuer. And so God has brought him to rescue Edo people, to restore integrity, to rebuild our schools, to employ teachers so that parents don’t need to contribute money to pay teachers.

    “Edo people cannot wait to see a new approach to governance; government of the people, by the people, and for Edo people,” said Oshiomhole.

    He appealed to those that lost the governorship contest to accept it in good faith: “That you have lost doesn’t mean it’s all over for you.

    “You can’t win until the time that God has appointed. So my advice to them is to accept the result,” he said.

  • Elderly men kneeling down, power is crazy – Nigerians react as Okpebholo, others kneel down for Tinubu

    Elderly men kneeling down, power is crazy – Nigerians react as Okpebholo, others kneel down for Tinubu

    A mild drama played out during a recent visit of some members of the delegation led by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje to the President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) had earlier reported that Tinubu on Thursday hosted the Governor-elect of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo and his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa.

    The delegation also included the incumbent Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole and a host of other APC Governors and party stalwarts.

    However, what became striking to Nigerians, is the kneeling down of these politicals leaders as they greeted President Tinubu.

    Their actions have attracted a range of reactions on social media. Below are some of the reactions.

    @chiefoyibo Governor-elect of #EdoState , #MondayOkpebholo ; Deputy, #DennisIdahosa knee before President #BolaTinubu after receiving their certificates of return from #INEC ♬ original sound – Oyibo

    HamzatYinusa: “Elderly Men kneeling down 😂😂😂. Power is crazy.”

    angelbertnde101: “Kneeling down ? Primitive country!”

    AkinmolaAyomid3: “Which kind country be this.”

    nigerianoise: “Governance 30%, politics 110%The people are in dire straits.”

    jethroE44: “Shameless goat . Bowing for a man that is not your God or even older than you in the name of president. How many times have ever seen a nineteen years old bowing for loel Biden?… Foolish old ozour.”

    DipoSpeak: “Why are people still kneeling in this modern age in a government house where the people occupying the office were elected by the populace to serve everyone.

    “I understand the they want to show respect and some can argue bowing is also showing too much respect but if that can fly.”

    triplerolex: “Tinubu loved to be worshiped as god reason why his team briefed these men to kneel down and worship him.”

  • BREAKING: Tinubu hosts Edo Governor-elect, Deputy [VIDEO]

    BREAKING: Tinubu hosts Edo Governor-elect, Deputy [VIDEO]

    President Bola Tinubu hosted the Governor-elect of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo and his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Tinubu welcomed both Okpebholo and Idahosa after they received their certificates of return from INEC, having been elected Governor and Deputy Governor of Edo State.

    @chiefoyibo Governor-elect of #EdoState , #MondayOkpebholo ; Deputy, #DennisIdahosa knee before President #BolaTinubu after receiving their certificates of return from #INEC ♬ original sound – Oyibo

    During their visit to the State House, both Okpebholo and Idahosa presented the certificates of return they received from INEC to the President.

    TNG reports the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) were in attendance.

  • BREAKING: INEC issues certificate of return to Okpebholo [VIDEO]

    BREAKING: INEC issues certificate of return to Okpebholo [VIDEO]

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued certificate of return to the Governor-elect of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, and his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports INEC issued Okpebholo, a serving Senator representing Edo Central at the National Assembly, with the certificate of return on Thursday after winning the governorship election conducted in Edo State on Saturday.

    Both Okpebholo and Idahosa were issued with their certificates of return at the headquarters of INEC in Abuja, the federal capital territory (FCT).

    TNG reports dignitaries in attendance included National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, National Working Committee members, and reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo, Comrade Philip Shaibu.

    Recall INEC had declared Okpebholo, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the Saturday governorship election in Edo. INEC’s Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Faruk Kuta, announced the winner in Benin after the collation of results from 18 local government areas in the state.

    Kuta, who is the Vice-Chancelleor, Federal University of Technology, Minna, said Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes to defeat Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 247,274 votes. The candidate of Labour Party (LP), Mr Olumide Akpata, came third with 22,763 votes. A breakdown of the results show that APC won in eleven local governments, while PDP won in seven areas.

    Also recall that the PDP had earlier rejected the outcome of the Saturday Edo governorship election, saying it will use every legal means to reclaim it mandate. PDP acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum at a news conference in Abuja said that the party was firmed to retrieve the mandate with every means legal and available in a democracy.

  • Another puppet – Reactions as Edo governor-elect Okpebholo, kneels to thank Akpabio

    Another puppet – Reactions as Edo governor-elect Okpebholo, kneels to thank Akpabio

    A photo of the incoming Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, kneeling down to express gratitude to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio following his victory at the just concluded governorship election has caused a stir on social media. 

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) earlier reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday night declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Monday Okpebholo, as the winner of the governorship election held in Edo State on Saturday, September 21.

    According to the results declared by the electoral body, Okpebholo won the election by 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo, candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who polled a total of 247,274 votes.

    The candidate of the Labour Party in the 2024 governorship election conducted in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, came a distant third in the election, polling a total of 22,763 votes.

    Following his victory, Senator Okpebholo, in the photo that surfaced on social media, is seen on his kneels thanking the senator president, Akpabio, who was in the company of the Edo deputy governor, Philip Shaibu and some stakeholders in ruling party.

    The photo has sparked mixed reactions amongst Nigerians on social media.

    See photo and reaction below;

    How Nigerian reacted:

    charlesinojie wrote: ”Here we go.”

    wealthyforever wrote: ‘‘Why would any democratically elected person kneel for anyone because they won?”

    unstoppableabt wrote: Thanking them for rigging d elections. APC will never know peace.”

    scottsophie2 wrote: ‘My governor is so polite.”

    kenobbor wrote: “It’s called Stoop to conquer.’

    thelordmayorfrank wrote: “Another puppet.”

    jessicatriumph wrote: “NEXT ELECTION I WILL NEVER LEAVE MY HOUSE. I WILL BUY POPCORN AND ICE-CREAM AND ENJO.”

    petersonkismila wrote: “De say make incoming talk baba de clap e say let’s dance>”

    geminigabriel_ wrote: lol their puppet. Good luck to all of you.”

    brightoski30bg wrote: Na now I know say the ADELEKE family truly strong Oo. For Them to win under PDP for that Osun State was outta this world 😲… them really deserve a fully loaded truck load of flowers 🌺 kudos @davido you did it kudos to the governor IMOLE.”

  • Buhari congratulates Okpebholo on ‘historic win’ in Edo

    Buhari congratulates Okpebholo on ‘historic win’ in Edo

    Former President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC) and governor-elect Senator Monday Okpebholo on their historic victory in the Edo state governorship election.

    In a statement issued by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, Buhari described the win as “prized” and “historic,” offering his warmest wishes for a new lease of life for Edo State and its people.

    Buhari expressed hope that both the incoming administration and the opposition would work together to strengthen democracy and maintain the state’s development trajectory.

    Buhari commended law enforcement agencies for ensuring a peaceful election and praised election officials for their efforts to improve the electoral process.

    “Congratulations to the APC and the election winner, Senator Monday Okpebholo on the historic electoral victory and my warmest wishes for a new lease of life for Edo State and its people.

    “I very much hope the winners and the losers would work together to strengthen democracy and maintain the trajectory of development in the state.

    “I commend law enforcement agencies for the efforts that they put in ensuring a peaceful election and the multitude of election officials who strive to improve their act with each election.

    “I pray that Nigeria, the continent’s most populous country, will continue to achieve remarkable progress under democracy”, he said.