September 23, (THEWILL) – Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, has appealed for calm after the Edo governorship election, urging residents to avoid violence.
The appeal follows frustrations by Edo residents about the results of Saturday’s governorship election and the perceived failure of democratic institutions after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, as the winner of the poll.
In a broadcast to the people of the State, Obaseki acknowledged the widespread disappointment with the electoral process, which he said was tainted by “impunity and reckless disregard for processes and law.”
He noted that many residents feel powerless in the wake of the results, but emphasised that violence is not the solution.
The governor, however, encouraged those aggrieved by the election to explore legal means to challenge the outcome, reminding the public that democracy provides safeguards for addressing grievances.
He said, “In the last few months, the various political parties have embarked on very rigorous campaigns to sell their respective candidates for the office of governor to the people of Edo State in an exercise which came to a climax yesterday with the gubernatorial election.
“The attractive thing about democracy is the power it bestows on the people to choose who governs them. Therefore, when this power is blatantly seized from the people, it is not just a tragedy, but a travesty of democracy.
“Regrettably, the outcome of the September 21st governorship election appears to have daunted the spirit of many Edo people who feel powerless in the face of the brute force of the institutions that are supposed to protect them. It is therefore understandable that many people feel sad and aggrieved.
“In the midst of this despair, I am urging all my fellow Edo citizens to maintain calm and not resort to violence and destruction of property in spite of this provocation.
“Peace and justice will always win in the end and this is my prescription to all the good people of Edo State who feel vexed and violated at this time.
“Clearly, it is obvious to the least discerning the amount of impunity and disregard for process and law that was displayed in this gubernatorial election.
“In a democracy, there are always safeguards for addressing grievances and we hope that all those affected will seek resolution for this blatant disregard for law and process”, he concluded.
Governor Obaseki urged Edo residents to go about their lawful businesses, assuring them that the government remains committed to their safety and well-being.
