15th July, 2012
Eromosele Ebhomele, Jethro Ibileke & Folarin Ademosu
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state has urged chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih, and all those who contested with him in the Saturday election to join him in lifting the country forward even as he called for the sack of the a senior staff of the national Independent Electoral Commission (INEC).
Oshiomhole, in his first briefing after the election which he won, said Mr. Ishmael Igbani, an INEC commissioner, who he accused of attempting to derail the election, must be fired.He said it is with such sanctions that the democratic process in the country could become effective.The Governor had accused Igbani of collaborating with some party officials to delay the distribution of election materials to areas of the state with high population of voters adding that he had done same in 2007 which resulted in a court case.
According to him, “yesterday morning, I did make a statement to the media concerning the way the election was being handled.”I was very hard on INEC because I am convinced that I saw no reason why INEC would not deliver voting materials on time.”I believe the REC demonstrated uncommon qualities of leadership… I have no doubt in my mind that he carried out the task effectively,” adding however that Igbani was out to derail the process.
He said there is no moral basis to keep those who have conducted elections that have been upturned in the court of law, a category which Igbani falls into.”I believe that Prof. Jega made a mistake in deploying Mr. Ishmael Igbani to Edo state,” he said adding he held Jega responsible for what he described as error of judgement because the INEC chairman said he would take responsibility for those who were deployed.
He said prior to the election, he had information that there was a ploy to delay the deployment of election materials or even under-supply the materials so that many of the people would not be able to vote.He said there can be no justifying reason why INEC could deliver materials to Local Governments two hours away and could not provide materials within the city.The confusion at Garrick Centre, which is the place of voting of the PDP candidate in the election was caused by the doctoring of the register which was done by INEC, he said.
“When you look at the total number of registered voters and the ones who actually voted, you would realise that it was because of the delay in the delivery of election materials,” he further maintained accusing Ishmael Igbani for being responsible for the delay and urged Jega not to soil his name by sending such controversial people to states for election.While thanking God for making his re-election possible saying he believes the event of yesterday had shown that men with little minds may plot violence, but God can turn things around, he described the election as the most peaceful one ever conducted in the history of the country saying this was against popular beliefs that the election would be violence.
He condoled with the families of those who lost their lives in the process of the election and promised that the government of Edo State would support the families of the late policemen and the INEC ad-hoc staff both financially and in other ways possible. “This is the least we can do for them,” he said.
He congratulated the people of the State for being able to express their choice for the office of the governor of the State without the usual ballot snatching and violence that had characterised the past elections.He said the election had confirmed that once the people are assured of security, the people would be ready to ensure continuous democracy.He said the victory is theirs because in a genuine democracy, the victory is always of the electorate since the winner is the reflection of their choice.He Commended the National Youth Corps Members and other ad-hoc staff saying from reports he got, they conducted themselves very well.He said the outcome of the election was significant since for the first time, the residents of the state voted massively for him showing that he won in all the 18 Local Governments decisively.”This will go a long way in shaping the character of future elections,” he added.
He said the Edo people had shown that merit should be the element of judgement and not sentiments or money.He said the Edo people had shown that they are not for sale and that their votes cannot be taken by how much they receive.”The way the people have voted has made my task much more easier,” he explained saying he would build on existing bridges to unite the people of the State.”I like to appreciate the leadership of the PDP and its candidate, retired Charles Airhiavbere,” the Governor said saying they made the election sweeter.He also appreciated other candidates in the election.He said he had been re-elected to provide good governance for all the people of the state regardless of who they voted for and that by the grace of God, “we will provide good governance to all the people without discrimination.”I call on them to work with me, there is enough space for everyone and togetjer we would lift the State higher.”
Oshiomhole also commended Osaigbovo Ogbemudia for being a role model in accomplishment and leadership during the campaign even though he is one of the leaders of the PDP.He also appreciated Tony Anenih, the leader of the PDP saying many had believed that the election was between him and the Governor.He stressed that election was a battle of ideas and that he would continue to respect him as an elder in the State even though there are differences.He also thanked the Oba of Benin for demonstrating that every Edo man is his child saying he is a living example of what a leader should be.He said he would collaborate with the oba in ensuring the unity in the State. The Governor commended the role of the security agents and the media which he described as outstanding.