By Ikhili Monday EBALU, Benin City
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the September 28 Edo governorship election on Monday, congratulated governor Godwin Obaseki on his Supreme Court judgement which reaffirmed his election as the truly elected governor of the state.
It could be recalled that Ize-Iyamu and the PDP are challenging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declaration of Governor Godwin Obaseki as winner of the exercise.
The electoral umpire had declared Obaseki of the APC winner of the election with 319,483 as against the PDP candidate who polled 253,173.
Ize-Iyamu had amongst others in his petition he filed through his team of counsel led by Yusuf Alli (SAN) alleged that there were invalid votes arising from non-compliance to the electoral act in the contested units.
While urging the tribunal to declare him winner, Ize-Iyamu called 90 witnesses to buttress his claim.
However, counsel to the respondents, Onyechi Ikpeazu (INEC), Lateef Fagbemi (APC) and Wole Olanipekun (SAN) representing Governor Godwin Obaseki disagreed with the petitioners.
In his statement made available to newsmen in Benin City, he said the Supreme Court has by its judgment brought to an end their struggle for the office of the governor of the state which began on 28 September, 2016.
Ize-Iyamu said he accepted in good faith the decision of the highest court of the country, which affirmed Mr Godwin Obaseki as the Governor of Edo State and therefore congratulate and assure him of his goodwill.
He said he also used the opportunity to thank all his supporters and party men and women for their immense support for their struggle right from the time of the election to this day that it ended at the Supreme Court.
He said he would always appreciate and be available whenever they need his services.
“Let me assure them of my acknowledgement of their various sacrifices and promise that I will always be there for them.
“I thank all Edo people who have been part of our struggle all the way. In our various ways we should keep the fire burning in the quest for an Edo State of our dreams.
“Finally, I thank God for His grace that gave me the opportunity to seek the office. To Him be all honour and Glory”, he said.
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