Chairman of Edo State Chapter of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Mon Igbinosa has expressed deep satisfaction at the outcome of the governorship election in the state.
He described the emergence of Mr. Godwin Obaseki as the triumph of the will of the people.
Igbinosa spoke with Church Times on September 22 on the position of the PFN on the just concluded polls in Edo State.
He said the whole of the Pentecostal community is happy that God’s will prevailed and that the election was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.
On if he was aware that a group of church leaders endorsed pastor Ize-Iyamu, He said, “That group is not PFN”
He however noted that a few members of the PFN who did not support Obaseki had a right to their position.
According to him, the Edo PFN had all along supported Governor Obaseki on the basis of principle.
He said though Pastor Ize Iyamu is their colleague, the state is bigger than an individual. “As a body we have a responsibility to the state.” he said.
He added, “We are more concerned about the state not the individual. I did not support Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu because the interest of the state was paramount for me and same goes to many of our members.
“I’m a man of principle. I had to weigh the option between an individual and the state. Obaseki also had performed well in the state. He did a good job in his first term. There was no reason for him to be denied the second term.”
Now that Obaseki has won the election, Bishop Igbinosa counselled that he should be magnanimous in victory.
His words, “He should extend the olive branch to the opposition and should find a way of bringing them closer for the good of the state. He should forgive those who hurt him and move on.
“As he settles down to work, my advice for him is to continue the good work he started in the first term.”