Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has expressed profound appreciation to the people of Ekiti State for their overwhelming support, which secured his re election in the June 20 governorship election.
Oyebanji said he remains deeply grateful to Ekitikete for standing united in granting him a renewed four year mandate and for ensuring that the election was conducted peacefully and orderly across all 16 local government areas of the state.
In a statement released on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, in Ado Ekiti, the governor said he was indebted to the people not only for the historic victory but also for setting what he described as a benchmark for peaceful elections in Nigeria.
The governor noted that Saturday’s poll remained peaceful due to the exemplary conduct of the people before, during, and after the electioneering period, which lasted about three months. He added that leaders and stakeholders across different sectors of society played vital roles in sustaining peace.
Governor Oyebanji also extended an invitation to the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and African Democratic Congress, Dr. Wole Oluyede and Ambassador Dare Bejide, to join hands with his administration in building a more prosperous Ekiti State.
Parts of the statement read:
“I owe all Ekiti sons and daughters, at home and in the diaspora, a debt of gratitude for their overwhelming support and for the fresh mandate to serve for another four years. This is truly humbling, and I do not take the trust for granted.
“Very importantly, I thank Ekitikete for their deliberate commitment to ensuring a peaceful election, devoid of violence or bloodshed, thereby setting a new standard for electoral conduct.
“Our profound appreciation goes to our traditional rulers for promoting peace in their domains, as well as to leaders of political parties and religious bodies for preaching and exemplifying peaceful coexistence.
“We also extend our sincere gratitude to former Governors of the state, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Chief Ayodele Fayose, Engr. Segun Oni, and Dr. Kayode Fayemi, for their support for the administration and commitment to the unity and progress of Ekiti State.
“Special thanks to serving and former members of the National and State Assemblies, members of the State Executive Council, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, and the Campaign Council led by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
“We commend the heads and personnel of all security agencies, including the Army, Police, DSS, and other paramilitary bodies, for their professionalism and for the effective inter agency collaboration in ensuring peace before, during, and after the election.
“We are equally grateful to members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, for their dedication and magnanimity in victory, as well as to leaders of labour unions, workers, teachers, local government employees, the media, youth and students’ bodies, artisans, market women, transport unions, and commercial motorcyclists.”
Oyebanji also praised the performance of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, noting a significant improvement in the conduct of the election compared to previous exercises in the state. He attributed this progress to the dedication of INEC officials and the impact of the Electoral Act signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to working harder and more efficiently in his second term to deliver greater dividends of democracy. He also expressed gratitude to God for the milestones achieved by his administration over the past three years and eight months.
