2015 Polls: Obrigado Edo People

It started with the
Presidential
elections on March 28, 2015. Edo people trooped out in large numbers to vote massively for the All Progressives Congress (APC) which saw to the emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari as the President-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  In spite of the heavy financial inducements by the ruling party, unimaginable ethnic and religious sentiments whipped against  the APC candidate,  he garnered 46 per cent of the total votes cast at the polls making Edo, the only state in the South-South and South East of Nigeria where General Buhari  got the mandatory constitutional requirement as one of the states he won in the election.
Then followed the gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections which have come and gone and the Edo people, have spoken very loud and clear. Edo people have chosen peace and development to continue. They have said an emphatic no to war and violence at the Edo State House of Assembly . They have actually said that they appreciate the services being rendered by the Edo State Comrade Governor, Adams Oshiomhole.
INEC has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the most seats into the Edo State House of Assembly spreading across the three senatorial districts of the state.  The APC won 21 seats while the PDP got 3 seats in an Assembly with 24 seats. Put in a more profound way, it is Edo people that have won.
Our people have shown their love for our dear state and their believe in democracy. The declaration of INEC accurately reflects the will of the people of Edo State. Some enemies of democracy who were thumping their chests at campaign grounds, speaking garrulously before television cameras as though they own tomorrow can now see the emptiness in boisterous life. They can now be convinced beyond reasonable doubts that Edo people cannot be fooled by self-seeking persons.
While there might have been some logistical issues associated with the exercise, the result represents what the people want. All those who wanted power for the impeachment of a performing governor and his deputy and assume the leadership through the back door, can now better appreciate how disappointment was delivered to them at their doorsteps on April 11, 2015.
Edo people came out to shame divisive forces who were hell bent on throwing the state into avoidable crisis. The people were united in shunning agents of violence and people who want to eat their cake and still, have it. It was good to know that Edo people used their votes to punish purveyors of falsehood who have benefited immensely from the Oshiomhole’s administration, yet want to pay him with ingratitude.
I  called on Edo people to give our state and our  Comrade Governor,  an APC -led House of Assembly and you did it, it is only natural for me to thank all Edos and non-Edos alike, In Portuguese,  I say; Obrigado to Edo people,  who have made this memorable exercise possible.  Our state has now joined the league of states that have used the ballot box to repel evil forces in a free and fair contest.
Most importantly, Edo people have been able to develop politically beyond primordial sentiments of ethnicity and religion. Edo people can now be fully rated along the civilized and highly politically conscious states in Nigeria.
Most people wholeheartedly welcome the result because it is the ones they voted for that emerged. Others will literarily be disappointed for obvious reasons. I urge that we all be guarded, respectful and peaceful in these times. This was a hard-fought contest. Sentiments were high. We must not allow them to becloud our wisdom and collective will to push forward.
This is not the time for war of words. This is a moment that we must begin to heal the wounds and work toward a better Edo State.
Taking a cue from our President-Elect, Muhammadu Buhari, I will wish to, on behalf of our party men and women and teeming supporters, extend a hand of friendship and conciliation across the political divide in the State. We hope and pray our friends in other parties will reciprocate and join hands with us to continue the massive development of our beloved state ably led by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
Words are inadequate to thank all the members of the All Progressives Congress, the APC, Edo State for their commitment and their hard work throughout the electioneering period- the campaigns, the presidential election, and State House of Assembly polls.
Personally, I feel fulfilled in politics and when I will bow out, I will do so as someone who has faced many political battles, in different fronts and finished triumphantly. This has been my dream and expectations and I am happy and pleased with our people in Edo land.
* Mr. Dan Owegie is a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo State.