16th July, 2012
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo on Sunday described President Goodluck Jonahan as a statesman and a man of honour.
Oshiomhole, who made the statement at a world press conference in Benin, attributed the peaceful conduct of the governorship election in Edo on Saturday to Jonathan’s determination to enthrone credible democracy in Nigeria.
“I want to appreciate Mr. President with his resolve and public pronouncement that he would provide adequate security for the people and the INEC staff before, during and after the election.
“I am glad that Mr. President kept to his words of assurance that there would be no thuggery, hooliganism and violence during the Edo Governorship Election.
He said that the president had led by example, which is the hall mark of a statesman.
“He is indeed a statesman, a man of honour because there was adequate and effective presence of security agents on ground.
“I am impressed because the army actually played a neutral role in the election,” he said.
On his victory at the polls, he congratulated his six opponents, saying he was willing to collaborate with them with a view to moving the state to a higher and better level.
He thanked the traditional institution, especially the palace of the Oba of Benin.
The governor said that “his majesty has shown and demonstrated true leadership qualities” since his assumption of office during his first term.
He assured the people of the state of his continued development stride, saying that their massive turnout at the poll was a testimony that there was a need for the people to rise above ethnic politics.
“We are all Edo people and should live and think alike if we have to bring rapid development to our people rather than dissipate our energies over frivolities such as ethnic politics,” he said.