Governor Godwin Obaseki has described the governorship election in Edo State won by the APC’s candidate Monday Okpebholo as a tragedy and travesty of democracy.
Obaseki in a statewide broadcast said various political parties had embarked on rigorous campaigns to sell their candidates to Edo State people for governorship, in an exercise which came to a climax on Saturday.
“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 21 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 but in the midst of this despair,” he said.
Obaseki urged residents of Edo to be calm and shun the tendency to resort to violence and destruction of properties in spite of the provocation.
“I am urging all my fellow Edo citizens to maintain calm and not resort to violence and the destruction of properties in spite of this provocation. Peace and justice will always win at 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 of processes and law that was displayed in this gubernatorial election. In a democracy there are always safeguard for addressing grievances and we hope that all those affected will seek resolution for all these disregard of laws and processes.
“With this in mind, I implored all Edo people to go about their lawful businesses and rest assured of the commitment of our government to your wellbeing and security,” Obaseki said.