BY AHMED AKANBI
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has rated Governor Monday Okpebholo high for conducting a free, fair and credible local government election in Edo State.
IPAC Chairman, Dr Bishop Akhalamhe, stated this on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the council’s executive to the governor at Government House, Benin.
Akhalamhe said the local government election was adjudged one of the best ever conducted in the state and was devoid of rancour.
“Election has come and gone, but we congratulate you on the success of the election as winners have emerged. The election was free, fair and credible with no issues,” he said.
He pledged IPAC’s readiness to collaborate with the Okpebholo administration and the new council chairmen to deliver good governance. If they succeed, it is the state government that succeeds,” Akhalamhe added.
The IPAC boss also applauded the governor for developmental strides recorded in less than two years, saying they had impacted Edo residents and the state’s economy.
“In less than two years, you have summarised the achievements of a four-year term as governor. What you have done is visible to the blind and audible to the deaf,” he stated.
Akhalamhe cited the Ramat Park Flyover as a legacy project and said IPAC would help sensitise Edo people on the administration’s projects.
“It will be credible coming from opposition parties. You are doing well, Mr Governor,” he said.
He noted that while APC produced the governor, IPAC’s role as an umbrella body of all parties is to ensure the governor succeeds.
Responding, Governor Okpebholo thanked IPAC for creating a peaceful atmosphere that allowed his administration to focus on development.
“You people have given me the peace of mind to work for Edo people. The local government election was peaceful and everybody is happy,” he said.
The governor said over 2.1 million votes were recorded in the LG polls and that Edo people had assured of delivering 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in 2027 general elections.
He added that his administration had stopped cult-related killings and was constructing a 23.5-kilometre concrete road with drainage to boost business activities.