By Halimah Olamide
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Dapo Abiodun have expressed joy with the victory of the Governor of Imo state Hope Uzodinma in the governorship poll.
Sanwo-Olu, while reacting on Sunday, said, “I am glad that Governor Hope Uzodinma was returned by the good people of Imo State after a convincing victory over his opponents as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the poll.
“Governor Hope Uzodinma’s re-election affirms his administration’s good performance in the last four years. I believe strongly that he was re-elected because he delivered beyond the expectations of the Imo people during his first term.
“The APC candidate’s victory across the 27 local government areas in Imo State with over 400,000 vote margin against his main opponent, is a confirmation of the trust and belief of the people in the APC-led administration in Imo State, having benefitted immensely from the various people-oriented programmes of his administration.
“The real winners at the end of the day are citizens of Imo State because they have re-elected a “talk and do” governor. The victory is deserving. It is an assurance to us that the APC government at the state and national levels is doing something right.
We know there are areas of improvement and we are determined to ensure that we give Nigerians the best they deserve.
In his response, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio hailed Governor Uzodinma for his resilience and commitment to genuine democratic practices. He said “Good governance has triumphed over propaganda”
Akpabio said “Your Excellency, I wish to heartily congratulate and rejoice with you and the people of Imo State on your well-deserved re-election as the Executive Governor of Imo state. Your victory is a testimony of your excellent performance in office in the last four years.
“I must say, this victory is an affirmation by the Ndi Imo of your sterling leadership qualities and confirmation of your outstanding performance and delivery of the dividends of democracy to the people.
“It is also an indication that our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is firmly established in the South East and accepted by the good people of the region. This explains why despite threats, attempted strikes and manipulated blackmail from enemies of your people, God took control.
“Therefore, on behalf of the APC family in the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I congratulate you on this resounding 2nd term victory and pray for God’s wisdom to translate this victory into more tangible dividends of democracy for the good people of Imo state”, he stated.
Akpabio also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for refusing to give into blackmail and conducting a free and fair elections.
“I commend INEC for providing a level playing field for all the candidates and for conducting a transparent elections. I also commend the security agencies for keeping the trouble makers at bay and ensuring a peaceful conduct during the polls”.
“I urge you to be magnanimous in victory by extending your hands of fellowship to your fellow contestants and see this re-election as a renewed mandate to build on the foundations that you have already laid towards improving the lives of the people of Imo State.”
Also Ogun state governor, Abiodun, said “This re-election serves as a compelling affirmation of your administration’s commendable performance over the past four years.
“Your dedication and ability to deliver beyond the expectations of the Imo people during your first term have undeniably played a pivotal role in securing this well-deserved victory.
The extensive margin of over 400,000 votes by which you triumphed across all 27 local government areas in Imo State is a clear endorsement of the people’s trust and belief in the APC-led administration.
The residents of Imo State have greatly benefited from the various people-oriented programmes implemented by your government.”