Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured residents that his administration is taking firm and decisive steps to flush out criminal elements and restore confidence among farmers and the wider population.
He said his government is committed to making Edo safe enough for farmers to return to their farms without fear, stressing that security remains a top priority of his administration.
Okpebholo gave the assurance during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) local government election campaign for the Edo Central Senatorial District, held at the Uromi Town Hall in Esan North-East Local Government Area.
He noted that his administration will continue to collaborate with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to safeguard lives and property, while promoting peace, unity, and stability across the state.
According to him, tackling insecurity demands seriousness and decisive action, adding that criminal elements terrorising communities will face the full weight of the law.
“Governors are ready to fight insecurity across the nation. The perpetrators will be exposed and they will run away from the country. In Edo State, there will be security and our farmers will be able to return to their farms,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo also expressed determination to ensure that kidnappers and bandits do not find a safe haven in the state, noting that decisive action against criminals would serve as a deterrent to others.
“I am serious with the fight against insecurity. By the time we execute one, two, three and more of these criminals, others will run away from Edo State,” he stated.
The governor who commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and partnership with the Edo State Government, described the collaboration as a major factor contributing to ongoing development in the state.
He said President Tinubu had encouraged transparency in the management of local government resources, adding that the implementation of local government autonomy had allowed councils to directly access their funds and pursue grassroots development.
“The President loves Edo State. When I met him, he told me not to touch local government funds, and I obeyed.
The funds go directly to the local governments, and the chairmen are using them to bring development and growth across the 18 local government areas,” Okpebholo said.
The governor urged APC members and supporters to mobilise across their communities and work for the success of the party’s candidates in the forthcoming local government elections, describing the exercise as a foundation for the party’s preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, urged APC candidates to prepare for the responsibilities ahead, stressing that winning elections must be followed by effective grassroots development.
Oshiomhole thanked President Tinubu for granting local government autonomy and encouraged the party’s candidates to collaborate with the executive arm of government to achieve the vision of transforming Edo’s economy.
The Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, who welcomed defectors into the party, called on members to unite behind the governor and the party’s candidates.
“I call on you all to support our governor to ensure our candidates win the local government election. It will show that we are ready for the general election, where we have promised the President 2.5 million votes, which is achievable,” Tenebe said.
The Deputy State Chairman of the party, Sylvester Aigboboh, who presented the chairmanship and councillorship candidates, said the governor’s performance has made campaigning easier for APC candidates.
He highlighted key achievements of the administration, including the completion of 300 kilometres of roads, the construction of 68 healthcare centres, and the procurement of 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for distribution across the 18 local government areas.
He also noted increased funding support for tertiary institutions such as Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Edo University, Iyamho; Edo State Polytechnic, Usen; and the College of Education, Igueben.
In a related development, former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial chairman, Bishop Anthony Okosun, who spoke on behalf of defectors, praised the governor’s development initiatives and pledged their support for the APC-led administration’s vision of a “new Edo State.”
