Edo State Governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, has extended hands of fellowship to candidates of other political parties, urging them to join him in building “a new Edo of our dream”.
Okpebholo made the call in his message to Edo people after collecting the Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Chronicle NG reported that INEC had on Monday, September 24, 2024, declared Okpebholo, candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, winner of the Edo State governorship election with 291,667 votes. The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Asue Ighodalo came second with 247,566 votes.
The governor-elect, assured that he and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, are committed to addressing the yearnings of the people for a new Edo State full of equal opportunities and development for all.
He said they are ready to hit the ground running to fulfil all their campaign promises.
While congratulating his fellow contestants for their sportsmanship throughout the electioneering exercise, he noted that the people have spoken, and that the ultimate winners are the people of Edo State.
The incumbent Senator representing Edo Central in the National Assembly said he accepted the results of the election as declared by INEC with a great sense of humility.
He noted that with the mandate of the people of the State, the journey to a New Edo has started.
Okpebholo, thanked his supporters, members of the APC in Edo State and President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support for true democracy.
“My special appreciation goes to our National Chairman of APC; Alhaji Abdullai Umar Ganduje, and the Progressive Governors led by Dr. Hope Uzodinma, the Governor of Imo state.
“I will not forget the energy and determination of our leader, our own Comrade, Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, and other political leaders across the three senatorial districts of Edo state.
“I salute their commitment, dedication, and unity throughout the period of our campaign.
“My profound appreciation to our royal fathers for their constant words of wisdom, prayers, and guidance, especially the Oba of Benin; His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare 11, who is also my father,” he added.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
