Thousands of enthusiastic people from Edo Central senatorial district and other parts of the State turned out weekend for the homecoming reception in honour of Governor Monday Okpebholo over his recent electoral victory.

The event took place at the Esan Central Local Council Secretariat and attracted many dignitaries including the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, top party members, traditional rulers, community leaders and others

Addressing the enthusiastic crowd,  Governor Monday Okpebholo declared that those who conjured results and announced same on social media during the governorship election are the same people crying that the polls were rigged

According to Governor Okpebholo, it is sad that criminals are crying today that they lost the election, saying they will continue to lose, while they will keep spending their money on fruitless ventures, wasting away time, energy and resources.

Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, in a statement, quoted Okpebholo to have said- “I thank Edo people for the overwhelming support given to our party during the September 21 governorship election in Edo State. I am happy for the resounding victory God gave us.

“I thank President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of our party for not playing anti-party but stood firm for justice and equity to prevail, which led to the success and victory recorded by our party.

“The people who wrote results and were announcing fake results on the internet, are the same people crying today that somebody rigged the election.

“It is sad to say that the criminals are crying today that they have lost and will continue to lose. They are spending money day and night and wasting their money and will wait in vain.

“Edo people have spoken. They have chosen the path of development, peace and unity. This is what Edo people have chosen and that is how it will remain.

“I want to thank Esan people for standing by me and ensuring a resounding victory. Thank you for the confidence reposed in me and thank you for your votes. This crowd has shown that you people voted for me.

“I will not disappoint Edo people. I will not disappoint Esan people. I will do the right thing and allow justice to prevail.

“I thank the traditional rulers in the entire Esan land, leaders of Esan land, party leaders, and all those who stood by me to become the Governor of Edo State and above all I give God the glory.”

The Onojie of Uromi, His Royal Highness, Anselm Aidenojie II, said the people of Esan land are happy that their son is the Governor of the State.

“We, the traditional rulers from Esan land went round the State to appeal for support to produce the Governor and today it is a reality. We thank the Oba of Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare ll and grateful to all for the support. We believe that the Governor will deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Edo State,” he said.

APC state chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, thanked Edo people for the mandate given to Governor Okpebholo, saying he has already hit the ground running since his inauguration.

“We are happy to celebrate the victory God Almighty has given to us and we thank Edo people for the mandate as all can see that the Governor has hit the ground running. This is how it will be in the next eight years. In the last eight years, there was no governance. Governor Okpebholo has started from where Comrade Adams Oshiomhole stopped.”

Other dignitaries at the reception organized by the Esan people include Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Gani Audu; members of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA); top government officials, party faithful and others.