President Goodluck Jonathanon on Sunday congratulated Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo on his re-election in Saturday’s governorship polls.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, Jonathan commended INEC and the security services for ensuring that the election was free and fair.
He said that the successful conduct of the election was in line with his administration’s commitment to continually strengthen democracy through the establishment of a more credible electoral system.
The President urged Oshiomhole to receive the fresh mandate as an endorsement of his outstanding performance in his first term.
He also urged the governor to see his re-election as an expression of the desire of the Edo people for “the continuation of focused, purposeful and dynamic leadership’’.
The President said he expected that the governor would work even harder in his second term to justify the confidence in his leadership clearly expressed by the electorate.
He gave assurance that the Federal Government would continue to give all possible support and assistance for the development of the state.
Jonathan wished Oshiomhole continued good health and a successful second term in the service of the state and the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oshiomole, the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), who scored 477,478 votes, was declared winner of the election by INEC.
Meanwhile, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said that democracy as expressed in the unfettered will of the people to choose their leader is the greatest winner in weekend governorship election in Edo State that saw the re-election of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
The former Vice President made the assertion yesterday in Abuja while congratulating Governor Oshiomhole on his re-election.
Atiku in a statement by his media office in Abuja yesterday said the decision of the people of Edo State to re-elect governor Oshiomhole is a clear confirmation that the people are satisfied with the performance of their governor in his first term in office.
Atiku said that it is becoming increasingly clear that Nigerians are ready to take full advantage of democracy as a system of representative government following the way in which the election was monitored by Nigerians via the social media platforms.
He commended the people of Edo State for the discipline and tolerance they had exhibited in expressing their choice in the election.
“The way and manner the people of Edo State conducted themselves at the polling booths in weekend’s governorship election has further bolstered my confidence that democracy has indeed come to stay in Nigeria,” Atiku said.
While also commending the candidate of his own ruling PDP, Major General Charles Airhiavbere (rtd) for making himself available as a formidable democratic alternative in the Edo election, the former Vice President noted that the loss in Edo State should be taken in good faith as it was never a do-or-die affair, in the first place.
He said that the Edo loss is not a referendum on the PDP, as some may want to posit, but offers unique opportunity for the ruling party to reflect on the way forward.
He said it is imperative more than ever before, for the PDP to retool the ruling party as the only viable platform for achieving the socio-political and economic aspirations of all Nigerians.
The former Vice President urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should not rest on its oars but to use upcoming elections to perfect its processes ahead of the 2015 general election.
Also,the Senate President, David Mark, has congratulated Governor Oshiomhole on his re-election as Governor of Edo, saying the victory was a reward for service to the people.
“This re-election is a reward for service. It must serve as an elixir for greater performance. You must continue to make service to your people the focal point of your administration.”
In a statement in Abuja signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, Mark advised Oshiomhole to continue to serve the people diligently.
He urged the governor to be magnanimous in victory and implored him and other contestants to join hands to build a new Edo in the overall interest of the people.
The Senate President commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the people of the state for the peaceful conduct of the election.
He commiserated with the government and people of the state over the Ologbo boat mishap which claimed some lives in the cause of the election on Saturday. (NAN)