The winner of the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency elections in Benue State, Comrade Philip Agbese, has dedicated his victory at the February 25 poll to God and his constituents.
Agbese, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), polled 19,083 votes against 15,202 votes by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Aida Nath Ogwuche, and 14,960 votes scored by the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Ralph Otobo, to clinch the coveted seat.
In his acceptance speech titled, ‘We Are All Winners’, the 36 year Human Rights Activist, described the candidates of other political parties as “partners” and not “opponents”.
While dedicating his victory to God, the UK-trained lawyer said he was humbled by the trust and confidence the people of Enone placed in him.
He thanked the APC family, Rt. Hon. Hassan Saleh, Hon. Chris Adabah Abba alias Mad Lion and the incumbent Reps member, Dr. Francis Ottah Agbo alias Ozigizaga whom he said has set the bar so high, such that anything less will be mediocre.
He pledged to be a servant-leader and wish to be addressed as “Enone Servant” all through his tenure.
Agbese said, “The good and loving people of Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo have spoken. They have delivered unto us a clear mandate by a convincing and resounding victory. A victory for “We the People.
“This triumph was unequivocal and unprecedented – history-making in many ways. For the first time, the electorate united for a common cause irrespective of party affiliations, religious and tribal bias. Okanga was the general language – Agbese, the shared message.
“I was overwhelmed by the show of love, support and sacrifice. I am humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in me. With every sense of gratitude, I want to say thanks to you all; my brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, friends and loved ones. But more importantly, I must return all glory to God almighty who predestined this day.
“I congratulate the candidates of other political parties whom I regard not as opponents, but as partners. We are all winners. This is for our common destiny as a people with shared ideals, shared dreams, and shared hopes.
“Today marks the end of a chapter and the beginning of another. It now beckons on us all as a family to unite to bring peace, prosperity, and progress to our dear land. There can not be development amidst conflict. A house divided among itself can not stand.
“Enone is for us all. We have no other land. That state-of-the-art medical facility is possible. Those deplorable roads can be fixed. Our schools can be much better. Mechanised agriculture, improved welfare for the elderly, as well as enhanced learning and entrepreneurship, are possible.
“The progress we seek for our constituency is in our collective hands. I am confident that with this new reawakened spirit and our sense of communal ownership of the Enone project, a firm foundation has been laid for participatory governance and progress. Together we will build a new Enone that is strong and dynamic, underpinned by a patriotic work ethic. Together we will remake our society to emphasise the noblest of our core values, and together we shall re-create a great constituency welded in unity and harmony; marching towards collective progress.
“To all those who volunteered, and worked the polls despite the very scarce resources at our disposal, you deserve a special mention. You were there through thick and thin. To my campaign team, support groups, and others who gave so much of themselves to make this moment possible, I owe you everything.
“My All Progressives Congress (APC) family, this is for us all. You have shown me immense love from the moment I decided to represent my people. Special thanks to the Chairman of our Campaign Council, Hon. Juliana Obetta and my able DG, Chief Benson Audu as well as members of my Campaign organisation. I am proud of the campaign we built and ran. I am even more proud of the coalition we put together – the broadest and most diverse.
“I must acknowledge the efforts and sacrifices of my family led by my beautiful wife Olori Esther and my tireless brother, Engineer Best. My kids have had to endure years without that fatherly love and care. To my mentors, friends, and associates, you have contributed a lot towards this journey and we must continue to ride together with a broader destination now.
“On this note, I wish to respectfully appreciate my elder brother and current lawmaker Hon Francis Ottah and his supporters. You already have a special place in our hearts. The Ozigizaga has set the bar so high, such that anything less will be mediocre. I can’t forget those that came before him and members of the Enone Intelligentsia Community. The most distinguished Hon. Hassan Saleh, Hon. Chris Adabah Abba alias Mad Lion and other formidable allies that we can not mention in print. We are all winners!
“Finally, we are going to the National Assembly to represent your interests. Ours is the mandate of the people. So, therefore, I pledge to be a servant-leader and wish to be known as ‘Enone Servant’ all through my tenure. Hence, we count on your prayers, support, and feedback to take our constituency to the next level. Long Live Enone!”
