About an hour ago, the Delta State Election Petition
Tribunal sitting in Asaba affirmed my victory at the Governorship election of
April 11, 2015. In their judgment, the three-man panel upheld my election and
was unequivocal in its declaration that I was duly and validly elected as the
Governor of Delta State.
I dedicate this victory to God Almighty without whom today’s
triumph and the electoral victory of April 11 would not have been possible. I
am Governor today not because I am the most qualified person, the most gifted
administrator, or the smartest politician. It is simply by the grace of God who
sets up kings and removes them.
Indeed, I was the least likely candidate for this office. I
didn’t have the kind of financial war chest required for a long drawn out
political campaign nor did I enjoy the backing of big time campaign donors. But
God, upon whose mandate and instruction I commenced this journey, orchestrated
the events that led to my emergence, first as the PDP flag bearer, and later as
winner of the April 11 governorship election in Delta State. And He has sealed
my victory with today’s judicial pronouncement. Therefore, I give all the glory
and honour to Him.
I applaud the Tribunal judges for their courage in deciding
the case based on the evidence before them. With this landmark ruling, the
eminent jurists have put paid to the vile propaganda in certain quarters that
the governorship election in Delta State was marred by violence, irregularities
and electoral fraud.
The governorship election in Delta was conducted under a
free, fair, peaceful and transparent atmosphere as anybody in the State at the
time would testify. And the vast majority of our people voted for the PDP and
for me as Governor because we connected with them, and they believed in our
campaign promise of prosperity for all hinged on our S.M.A.R.T agenda.
It bears restating here that the PDP is the only party in
the state that has visible presence in all the wards and units of the three
senatorial districts. During the electioneering campaigns, we traversed the
length and breadth of the State as many times as were necessary to solicit for
the votes of our people. And for our hard work, we won convincingly in 21 out
of the 25 local government areas of the state. It was an overwhelming – and
reassuring - pan-Delta mandate.
Today’s affirmation of my victory by the Tribunal is an
invitation to all and sundry to join hands with this administration to move the
State forward. In particular, I extend my hand of fellowship to Chief Great
Ogboru of the Labour Party and Olorogun O’tega Emerhor of the APC, both of whom
I am sure are desirous to see Delta become a centre of excellence in all
spheres of human endeavour. These men are my brothers, not my enemies. And I
look forward and welcome whatever ideas and suggestions they have for the
developmental aspirations of our beloved Delta State.
The challenges ahead are enormous. We need to upgrade our
infrastructure, build new schools, create jobs, transform our agricultural
sector, improve our public transportation and fine-tune our primary and
tertiary health system. And we have to strive to accomplish all of these in the
midst of a turbulent economy and dwindling receipts from the Federation Account.
Delta State can ill afford another round of litigations.
They not only cause needless distraction, they breed discord and acrimony among
our people. For too long, litigations have become a cog in the wheel of our
progress. This is the time to put an end to this trend. For the sake of our
State!
This administration is determined to build a State that we
can all be proud of, and that will be the envy of other states. But it is going
to take all of us working in concert, and partnering with one another to make
this happen. We do not claim to have all the answers. But one thing we know is
that we will work hard, we will be accountable and we will be honest to tell
you the challenges that we face. We may not achieve all we set out to do in one
year or even in one term but we are determined to give it our best shot and
make a difference in the lives of our people.
Finally, to the good people of Delta State to whom today’s
victory actually belongs, I thank you for using your voice and your vote to
express your confidence in me and, my party, the PDP. As I said during my
swearing-in, I am humbled by your collective decision to choose me as Governor.
I pledge to serve you with sincerity of purpose, utmost transparency and total
commitment.
Together we will build the Delta State of our dreams.
God bless Delta State.
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