Senator Monday Okpebholo, the governor-elect of Edo State, has pledged to be a servant of the people and lead an inclusive government.
Speaking on Thursday after being presented to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja by key leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Okpebholo emphasized his commitment to serving all Edo people and promoting development across the state.
“For me, I’m coming as a servant to serve the Edo people. That is what is required of me, and that is what exactly I’m going to do,” he said.
Okpebholo was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including the APC National Chairman, Umar Ganduje; Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma; and Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
Also present were APC governors Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Usman Ododo (Kogi), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), alongside Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Okpebholo the winner of the Edo State gubernatorial election held on September 21, despite allegations of irregularities.
Speaking to correspondents after his meeting with President Tinubu, Okpebholo assured Edo citizens of rapid development initiatives, including education reform.
“Very soon, you will see a lot of development coming up in Edo. We are going to employ teachers. We are going to renovate our schools… a lot will be happening over time. So, with time, you will recognize that a new dawn has happened.”
When asked about working with the opposition, the governor-elect affirmed his willingness to collaborate if they contribute beneficial ideas. “If they have an idea that is beautiful, that is acceptable by the people, then why not? My door is open to everybody.”
Okpebholo also urged those who lost in the election to accept the results with patience, stressing the importance of unity for the progress of the state.