From Tony Osauzo, Benin

Edo State Governor-elect, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, yesterday, pledged to work tirelessly for the good of all Edo people, irrespective of gender, social status, ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.
In an acceptance speech he gave at his campaign office in Benin City, Obaseki also reminded the people of the state that‎ elections were over and that it was time to bury the hatchet and close ranks for the good of the state.
“Our state is superior to all other interests and we must, as individuals, subordinate our personal ambitions to that of the collective,” he said.
Pointing out that the success of Edo State does not depend on government alone, but on each and every one, the Governor-elect asked for the peoples’ “support and prayers in the challenging task of leading the state and charting a refreshing future for our children.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the results of the 2016 Edo State gubernatorial poll, and I have been declared as the winner of the election.
‎”It is with great humility and abiding faith in God Almighty, that I accept this pronouncement of my victory as the next Governor of Edo State. This is a historic victory for all Edo citizens and our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). It underscores clearly your preference for the continuity and consolidation of our programmes.
“More importantly, by your votes, you clearly affirmed your faith in my ability to lead our state forward into a new era. This is a responsibility Philip Shaibu, my running mate, and myself do not take lightly. Our promise to build a state anchored on a productive economy that will transform and empower our citizens is sincere,” Obaseki said.
Recalling his promises to the people during his electioneering campaign, the governor-elect assured that government would do everything in its power to address them.
“Let me, at this point, sincerely salute the courage of all those who came out to exercise their franchise, in spite of the intimidating manoeuvres of merchants of violence to derail the conduct of a peaceful, free and fair election; you are the heroes of this election! You saw through their propaganda and lies, and you made the right decision.
“I am happy that the elections were generally peaceful with no loss of lives; I salute the spirit of Edo people. I also want to commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as well as the security agencies, for their role in maintaining peace and order during the elections,” he said.
Obaseki expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) for his profound commitment to a new order in Nigeria and for his presence at the grand finale of APC campaign at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. He said  “that singular honour served as a tonic to our campaign”, even as he also acknowledged and appreciated the support from all the APC governors as well as the leadership of the APC, which efforts, he said, “collectively laid the foundation for this victory.
“I reserve very special appreciation to our Comrade Governor, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, for his vision and single-minded focus on the progress and development of our state. When everyone thought it was impossible, you proved to Edo people that government could, indeed, work for them. I want you to know that the legacy that you have built will live on forever!,” Obaseki promised.
The governor-elect, who also thanked his campaign team, friends and supporters, said their hard work and dedication has set the tone for a new era of development in Edo State, just as he saluted his fellow contestants for putting up a gallant fight.
“This competitive campaign has helped us to sharpen our focus on some of the most important issues affecting our people,” he said.