Godwin Obaseki, Edo state governor, says the lions and tigers of the state politics have been tamed and the zoo is now their new home.
The governor-elect stated this yesterday at the Museum Ground, Kings square in Benin City after a victory march across the streets of the state capital.
The deputy governor, Philip Shuaibu and the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), among others were also present at the gathering.
While addressing the crowd, he thanked the people of the state for re-electing him and assisting in taming godfatherism in the state. According to him, the new mandate is a go ahead to do more for the people.
He was referring to Adams Oshiomhole, his predecessor and esrtwhile national chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and his cohorts who fought against his re-election.
A day before the September 19 exercise, Mr Oshiomhole who fell out with his protege over irreconcilable differences, had described his successor as a political lizard whom he, the political lion as he claimed to be, will tame during the election. His candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, lost to the governor who scored over 307,000 votes to defeat his opponent who polled over 220,000 votes.
“You have helped me cage the lions and tigers in the state, you will never see them again in Edo because they are all in the zoo now where they belong,” Obaseki said.
“Today, I promise you that we will work for Edo people because no one will hinder us from delivering the dividend of democracy to Edo people.
“My deputy, Philip Shaibu, and I will go back to the office and work for Edo people. I want to thank everyone residing in the state; you spoke and we have heard you and are ready to ever work for you.
“The next four years in the state will be the one that all citizens will live to remember as we will consolidate on our developmental achievements in the State. Thank you all,” he added.
Meanwhile, the APC has congratulated the governor for his victory at the poll, saying the contest was free, fair and credible.
