The chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Bishop Akhalamhe, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo for conducting a free, fair and credible local government election in the state.

Mr Akhalamhe, who led other members of the IPAC executive on a courtesy visit to Government House, Benin, said the election was adjudged one of the best ever conducted in Edo.

He said IPAC was ready to continue collaborating with the Okpebholo-led administration to ensure the governor delivered good governance to the people of the state.

“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. We will collaborate with the local government chairmen and ensure they succeed because if they succeed, it is the state government that succeeds,” he said.

He commended the governor for his developmental achievements in less than two years in office, saying that the projects had made a positive impact on the lives of Edo people 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 in less than two years is visible to the blind and audible to the deaf.

“The All Progressives Congress (APC) is a member of IPAC. All the parties cannot produce the governor, but APC did, and our role is to support and ensure the governor succeeds in governance.

“You have embarked on legacy projects like the Ramat Park Flyover, which speaks for itself. We will speak to Edo people about the developmental projects you have embarked on. It will be credible coming from opposition parties. You are doing well, Mr Governor,” he added.

Responding, Mr Okpebholo said his administration’s achievements would not have been possible without a peaceful and conducive environment that allowed him to focus on the development of the state.

He said IPAC had contributed to creating the peaceful atmosphere needed to work for the people of Edo and ensure good governance.

“You people have given me the peace of mind to work for Edo, and the credit is for all of us. The local government election was peaceful, and everybody is happy.

“I am happy because of the kind of results that came out of that election. We recorded over 2.1 million votes, and we are going to build on that for the presidential election,” the governor said.

Mr Okpebholo said Edo residents assured his administration of their support to achieve 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.

He said the people of Edo did not demand much from government but wanted good governance and effective leadership.

The governor also said his administration had stopped the killing of youths through cult-related activities in the state.

“Some days ago, I met an Edo woman, who thanked me for stopping cult killings in the state; she thanked God for sending me to the state to put a stop to cult killings.

“We are doing a 23.5-kilometre concrete pavement road with a proper drainage system. The road will improve business activities in the area,” he said.

Mr Okpebholo added that his administration is creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. 

(NAN)