The Secretary to the Edo State Government, Musa Ikhilor, has charged political appointees, party leaders, party faithful and government officials to intensify mobilisation for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise and the registration of new members into the All Progressives Congress (APC) to strengthen the party numerically.
Ikhilor gave the charge while hosting political appointees, party leaders, party faithful and government officials at his residence in Irrua as part of activities marking the Eid-al-Adha celebration.
The SSG had earlier hosted neighbours, members of the Arewa and Muslim communities on May 27 before hosting political appointees, party leaders and government officials on May 28.
He urged the people to take advantage of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise to register and prepare to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
“We know that Asiwaju is satisfied and his 2.5 million votes are sure in Edo State. We are using this medium to tell our people that the Continuous Voter Registration exercise is ongoing. We are mobilising as officials and moving around our communities to encourage people who have not registered.
“Let us continue to sensitise people on the need to get registered. I urge party leaders to mobilise and actualise the 2.5 million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election,” he said.
Ikhilor commended commissioners and other political appointees for the roles they have played in assisting Governor Monday Okpebholo in fulfilling his campaign promises to Edo people and ensuring residents enjoy the dividends of democracy.
“It has been memorable in the past two days and I thank you all because without your cooperation, both events would not have been successful.
“I have been praised today by different people, but all thanks go to Governor Monday Okpebholo who made this possible, as I would not have succeeded without the governor.
“We thank God for what He is using the governor to do in Esanland and Edo State in general. We thank the governor for all the infrastructure and human capacity development,” he added.
The SSG also commended the governor for providing food items to Edo residents during festive periods, noting that the gesture cuts across the three senatorial districts during Christmas, Easter and Sallah celebrations.
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Felix Akhabue, commended Ikhilor for hosting the gathering, describing it as an avenue for effective grassroots interaction and mobilisation.
“The SSG is a unifier, bringing people together. This is the third time I am attending this kind of gathering both in his Benin and Irrua residences.
“The governor cannot be everywhere, as he has foot soldiers, and the SSG is one of his strong foot soldiers ensuring the governor delivers the dividends of democracy to Edo people,” he said.
Akhabue also urged commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and other political appointees to emulate the SSG’s inclusive style of leadership and mobilisation.
Also speaking, APC leader in Edo Central Senatorial District, William Shaka Momodu, commended the SSG for supporting the governor in achieving his administration’s goals.
“We are all gathered here today to celebrate with our SSG who invited us to his home to celebrate Sallah with him,” he stated.
Representing the Arewa community, Hon. Bawa praised Governor Okpebholo for ongoing infrastructural development projects across the state.
“All the 18 local government areas are feeling the positive impact of the Okpebholo-led administration, as these projects will benefit and improve the livelihoods of Edo people,” he said.
Other guests at the occasion included the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Bisi Idaomi, Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Patrick Ebojele, officials of the Edo State Transport Authority, Edoline, Edo State Waste Management Board, Special Advisers, the CMD of Edo Specialist Hospital, members of the Arewa community, the CMD of ISTH and ward chairmen, among others.