The Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa, a non-governmental organization, has urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to work with the governor to further development initiatives in the wake of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal’s ruling upholding Senator Monday Okpebholo’s election as governor.
Mr. John Mayaki, the coalition’s Country Director, told reporters over the weekend that all political parties should prioritize development and stressed the value of unity in governance.
Mayaki said that the Tribunal’s ruling was impartial and fair and that it would help Edo State’s excellent governance even more. “Now that the governor’s victory has been reaffirmed, he can concentrate fully on the task of developing the state,” he said.
Mayaki acknowledged that the PDP had the right to appeal the ruling, but she was concerned about the US Mission’s announcement that it would be keeping an eye on the appeals process. “I do not think the foreign mission has any role to play in our judiciary or local politics. There are limits to everything,” he stated.
He emphasized that the judiciary is governed by the law and the evidence, not by feelings or outside influences, and warned the PDP not to be influenced by foreign views on Nigeria’s internal political processes.
“We must stop blaming the judiciary simply because outcomes don’t favor us. Our institutions must be protected, not undermined. If we destroy them today, we will need them tomorrow,” Mayaki added.
The activist from Edo also praised the media for their fair and honest reporting of the Tribunal’s proceedings, which confirmed Governor Okpebholo’s election victory.
