BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

BENIN CITY – Re- elected Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Tuesday, collected his Certificate of Return from Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and expressed gratitude to Oba of Benin and Edo people.

The certificate was issued to him at 7pm by INEC National Commissioner, Col. Muhammed Hammanga (rtd).

Addressing newsmen, Oshiomhole said: “My candidature has re-united Edo people across the three senatorial districts and this is some thing that had never happened before. For the first time across the 18 local government areas, people spoke with one voice. Now the challenge is to ensure even development gets to the 18 councils.

“I am particularly grateful to the great people of Benin kingdom for burying the whole idea of ethnic politics in the life of this state. I am encouraged by this. As you can see, I won more votes here than in my council. That for me is an outstanding statement and I am committed to servicing that trust.

“There is no way that you can go through electioneering campaign without saying some thing that will make one uncomfortable, to all those who may have been offended, apologies from my heart. And if any one also offended me, I have forgiven even when it had not been offered.”