BY BEN OGBEMUDIA

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Edo State, Dr. Samson Osagie, on Thursday said the legal battle against the election of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has finally been laid to rest with the full panel of five Supreme Court Justices, led by Hon. Justice Mohammed Garba JSC, dismissing the appeal filed against the concurrent judgment of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal.

Reacting shortly after the Supreme Court judgement, the AG said the intriguing aspect of the legal battle is that all three levels of courts and their justices and judges were unanimous in declaring that the petition of Asue Ighodalo and his party lacked merit.

In the separate judgements, the courts held that the petitioners failed to prove that the election in which Governor Monday Okpebholo was declared elected by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was marred by irregularities, particularly over-voting and the non-recording of serial numbers of ballot papers on Form EC-25A.

Indeed, the Supreme Court, in upholding the admission of the BVAS from the evidence of the appellants, held that the Court of Appeal was right in invalidating the admission of the BVAS as the requisite consent of the parties was not sought and obtained before it was tendered and admitted from the bar.

On the whole, the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo has been validated and the legal battle has successfully ended. Edo people can now look with great expectations to a new Edo rising on the horizon.

Similarly, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has congratulated Governor Monday Okpebholo on his well-deserved victory at the Supreme Court, which has once again reaffirmed the will of the people and upheld the integrity of his election as the Executive Governor of Edo State.

According to a statement personally signed by him:
“This landmark judgment is not just a personal triumph, but a victory for democracy, justice, and the collective voice of the Edo people who overwhelmingly entrusted you with the mandate to lead. Your unwavering commitment to good governance, transparency, and development has continually earned the confidence of the people, and this victory is a further testament to the legitimacy of your leadership.

“As you continue to steer the affairs of our dear state, may this judicial affirmation energize your administration to do even more in delivering inclusive growth, peace, and prosperity to all Edo citizens.”