The Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Emmanuel Iyamu, has extended heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, following the Supreme Court’s affirmation of his election as the duly elected Governor of Edo State.
In a formal statement released on Thursday shortly after the apex court’s unanimous ruling, Dr. Iyamu described the judgement as “a resounding victory for democracy, the rule of law, and the will of the people of Edo State.”
“On behalf of the Edo State Ministry of Education, I extend my warmest congratulations to His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, on this well-deserved and hard-fought judicial confirmation of his mandate. Today’s verdict by the Supreme Court not only reaffirms the confidence reposed in your leadership by the people of Edo State but also strengthens the democratic foundations upon which our great state continues to grow,” the statement read.
Dr. Iyamu lauded the judiciary for standing firm in defense of justice, while also commending the people of Edo State for their patience, resilience, and faith in due process throughout the post-election legal proceedings.
He further noted that Governor Okpebholo’s emergence and eventual affirmation present an opportunity for renewed focus on governance and development, particularly in the education sector.
“Your Excellency’s commitment to education reform and youth development has been evident since the inception of your administration. As Commissioner for Education, I remain fully committed to your vision of transforming our schools, empowering our teachers, and ensuring that every child in Edo State has access to quality, inclusive, and future-driven education,” he added.
Dr. Iyamu emphasized that the victory should serve as a unifying moment for all political actors in the state, urging stakeholders to put politics aside and rally behind the Governor’s vision for a more progressive Edo.
He concluded his message with a call for renewed energy toward fulfilling the administration’s agenda, promising continued collaboration from the Ministry of Education in support of the Governor’s transformative roadmap for the state.
“Congratulations once again, Your Excellency. May your tenure continue to bring peace, progress, and prosperity to the good people of Edo State.”
The Supreme Court, in a ruling delivered by Justice Mohammed Garba, dismissed the appeal filed by PDP candidate Asuerinme Ighodalo, describing it as lacking in merit. The court affirmed the previous rulings of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, both of which had upheld the victory of Governor Okpebholo in the September 21, 2024 governorship election.