Following last week’s Supreme Court judgement which affirmed his mandate, Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, has declared that “it is now time to work for people of the state.”

Okpebholo made the declaration at the weekend at his ancestral home of Uromi, Esan Central local government area of Edo State when he appreciated the people of the state for their support and prayers.

According to him, “I am happy that we have come this far today. It is good news that the battle is over as God has given us victory all around, and now it is time to work for Edo people.

“We thank you all for standing by us throughout the period of the election and during all the court cases which ended at the Supreme Court as all the judges reaffirmed the mandate that you have given to us.

“We thank God for the victory at the election, election petition tribunal, Appeal Court and finally the Supreme Court. Now that all disputes have been laid to rest, it is time to work.

“Now, we will be more focused on bringing development to our people. We are determined to make life better for Edo people, and we will ensure transparency and accountability in governance.”

Okpebholo admitted that it’s been a tough time for Edo people but added that “together, the challenges will be surmounted.”

The governor was accompanied to his home town by the secretary to the Edo State government (SSG), Barrister Umar Musa Ikhilor; the commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Okoebo; APC Edo Central senatorial eader, Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe; top government functionaries, party supporters, among others.