Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has thrown his weight behind the proposed death penalty for kidnappers and bandits being championed by the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Oshiomhole declared his support on Saturday while addressing supporters at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for the forthcoming local government elections in Edo North Senatorial District.
The event was held at the Public Field in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
“I stand here to completely endorse the declaration by the governor of Edo State that we are in a federation where every state has the right to enact laws on punishment when it comes to state offences. So kidnappers and bandits will be punished by death through firing squad,” he said.
He added that he supported the creation of state police, saying it would complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force in tackling insecurity.
Also, Governor Okpebholo said his administration was committed to working for the development and wellbeing of Edo people, noting that several projects had been initiated across the state.
He said the government had embarked on major infrastructure projects, including roads, schools and markets, which he said were aimed at improving the lives of residents.
“We have embarked on massive infrastructural development in the state, including roads, schools, markets and others. These achievements were not there in the past, but this administration has made them possible,” the governor said.
Okpebholo also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, saying it had increased resources available to state governments for development projects.
“The removal of fuel subsidy has provided more funds for governors across the country to develop their states. This is the money we are using as a government to develop Edo State through massive road construction, schools and other infrastructure projects,” he said.
The governor said the campaign was an opportunity to introduce APC candidates to voters and urged supporters to work towards delivering 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
He also commended the completion of rehabilitation work on the Auchi-Ekpoma-Benin Road, describing it as a major achievement of the Tinubu administration.
Okpebholo urged party members to mobilise support, campaign effectively and ensure victory for APC candidates in the forthcoming local government election.
The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, urged the candidates to prioritise grassroots development if elected, saying they must ensure residents across Edo’s 18 local government areas benefit from democracy.
“This election is a major step towards the 2027 general election in the country. I thank the leadership of the party for building a strong party in Edo State,” Momoh said.
The Edo State Chairman of the APC, Jarrett Tenebe, called on the party’s local government chairmanship and councillorship candidates to emulate the vision of the state’s founding leaders by placing development and effective service delivery at the heart of grassroots governance.
Describing local government as the tier of government closest to the people, Tenebe urged the party’s candidates to work closely with Governor Monday Okpebholo to extend the administration’s developmental strides to communities across the state.
