Benin Residents Celebrate Oshiomhole's Victory

It was like a carnival this morning in Benin city, the Edo State capital as residents jumped into the streets as early as 7am in celebration of what they described as their own victory over election riggers in the State.

Some of the residents, including women, threw caution to the winds immediately the news spread, rushing out in their night gowns, some transparent, while the young men danced with underwear, panties and boxers.
They chanted songs against the Peoples Democratic Party saying their action was a clear message to the Federal Government that the citizens of the country would no longer fold their arms while looters and election riggers hold sway.

There was no street in the State where people did not come out as many of the residents were seen hugging and congratulating themselves over the Governor’s victory. Some also made calls informing those far away from the State of the latest news.

Church worshippers who were already in their worship centres for the Sunday service trouped out en-masse to join the jubilating residents.

Markets were practically shut down as most of the market men and women also joined in the celebration which one of the residents described as “broom revolution.”

While some of the residents rushed to the Government House, others headed straight to the State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
This excitement and jubilation resulted in heavy traffic situation across the city as many commercial buses and motorcycle riders displayed brooms and ACN flags.

They also were prepared to pick passengers free of charge.
The Governor, who received the news with joy, later danced with the residents and moved straight to the St. Pauls Catholic Church, Airport road, where he offered thanks to God defying the heavy rains.
At the Ring Road area, while on his way to the church, dramatically lifted his own picture frame and gazed at it almost endlessly.

This caused another round of jubilation among those who were following him.
Some of the residents said they turned up massively for the election because they had witnessed a lot of transformation in the State.

One of such residents, who gave his name as Peter Ogbeide, said before the Governor’s emergence in 2007, the roads were not motorable.
“Today, I can move outside my house with ease. I can also sit outside my house deep into the night because there is light,” Ogbeide, a commercial bus driver said.
Another resident, who is a commercial motorcycle rider, almost ran into a car while he was dancing on and singing on his okada.

He later told reporters that he was dancing to the obituary of the PDP in the State as the result had sent a clear message to the members of the party that performance pays.
He said he was not prepared to work throughout today, but to go drinking and celebrating the Governor’s visit.