Okpebholo’s S’Court victory, a moment of renewal for Edo – Imasuen

 

The member representing Edo South in the Senate, Neda Imasuen, has described the Supreme Court judgement upholding the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo as a moment of renewal in the state.

 

He called on well-meaning citizens of the state to join hands with the governor as he steers the ship of the state towards greater heights.

 

PUNCH Online reports that on Thursday, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court, in the lead judgment delivered by Justice Lawal Garba, held that the Candidate of the People Democratic Party, Asue Ighodalo, failed to prove allegations of over-voting, non-compliance with the Electoral Act, and other infractions cited as grounds to challenge Okpebholo’s electoral victory.

 

In a unanimous judgment, the court ruled that based on the evidence before it, Ighodalo was not duly elected by the majority of lawful votes cast.

 

Specifically, the court noted that the PDP candidate failed to substantiate claims of non-compliance, having only challenged the results in 395 out of the 4,519 polling units where elections were conducted.

 

The panel of justices further held that the 19 witnesses called during the trial were not sufficient to help the case of the appellant in challenging the outcome of the election.

 

The panel also held that it found no reason to set aside the previous judgments of the lower courts, noting that the appellant failed to prove, without doubt, admissible evidence to the claim that the election was marred by irregularities and over-voting.

 

However, in a statement on Friday, Imasuen said that judgment not only affirms the will of the people but also reinforces the collective belief in the sanctity of democracy and the rule of law.

 

The statement read, “I warmly congratulate Senator Monday Okpebholo on his resounding and well-deserved victory at the Supreme Court on Thursday, which has finally brought an end to the long and strenuous legal contest surrounding the Edo State governorship election.

“This is a moment of renewal, and I urge all well-meaning sons and daughters of Edo State to join hands with the Governor as he steers the ship of our great State towards greater heights.

 

“The Supreme Court’s landmark judgement not only affirms the will of the people, but also reinforces our collective belief in the sanctity of democracy and the rule of law.

 

“By dismissing the petition and holding that the claims against the election lacked substance, the apex court has now drawn a clear line under the matter, allowing us to fully focus on the task of governance and development.”

 

Imasuen said that the victory is not just personal to Governor Okpebholo, but a triumph for the entire people of Edo State who deserve peace, stability and purposeful leadership.

 

He stated that the time for politicking is over, adding that it is time for healing, unity, and rebuilding trust in the promise of democracy.

He added, “As the Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, I restate my unwavering commitment to working hand-in-hand with Governor Okpebholo to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. T

 

“Together, we must channel our collective energies into the pursuit of good governance, infrastructural development, youth empowerment, education, security, and economic progress for every Edo citizen.

 

“Once again, congratulations, Senator Monday Okpebholo. The victory is for all of us.”