Kingsley Ohens reporting

4 September 2026

The Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Distinguished Senator Joseph Igiagbe Ikpea, CON, has congratulated the newly inaugurated Local Government Chairmen and Councillors across Edo Central Senatorial District on their assumption of office, describing their inauguration as an important milestone in strengthening grassroots governance and democratic participation.

Senator Ikpea commended the Governor of Edo State for providing the enabling environment for the successful conduct of the Local Government elections, while also applauding the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EdoSIEC) for conducting what he described as a timely, free and credible election.

He urged the newly sworn-in Chairmen and Councillors to regard their mandate as a solemn responsibility to the people, charging them to lead with integrity, transparency, accountability and an unwavering commitment to grassroots development.

The Senator particularly called on the Council Chairmen to make the development of their respective Local Government Areas a priority and to draw inspiration from the developmental strides of the Edo State Government.

According to him, effective development at the Local Government level will significantly reduce the burden on the State Government and enable the Governor to devote greater attention to broader state-wide development initiatives.

Senator Ikpea reminded the new council leaders that Local Government is the third tier of government and remains the level of administration closest to the people. He therefore urged them to maintain an open-door policy, remain accessible to their constituents and build strong and cordial relationships with the communities they represent.

On security, the Senator charged the newly inaugurated Chairmen to adopt a proactive approach to safeguarding lives and property within their respective jurisdictions. He encouraged them to strengthen community-based security structures, including supporting and empowering local vigilante groups, while working closely with the appropriate security agencies.

He stressed that meaningful development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity, noting that a peaceful and secure environment is essential for economic activities, investment, social stability and the overall wellbeing of the people.

Senator Ikpea once again congratulated the five newly inaugurated Local Government Chairmen and all Councillors across Edo Central Senatorial District, wishing them a successful and impactful tenure in office.

He prayed that Almighty God would grant them the wisdom, strength, courage and capacity to faithfully fulfil the promises they made to the people during the electioneering period.

Congratulations to all the new Council Chairmen and Councillors. May their tenure bring meaningful development, peace and prosperity to the people of Edo Central Senatorial District.

God bless Edo Central Senatorial District.