EDO TO BECOME SAFE HAVEN FOR FARMERS AGAIN AS OKPEBHOLO DECLARES TOTAL WAR ON INSECURITY

Kingsley Ohens

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to restoring security across the state, assuring residents that decisive measures are being implemented to eliminate criminal activities and create a safe environment for farmers to return to their farms without fear.

The Governor made this declaration on Friday during the official flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Local Government election campaign for Edo Central Senatorial District, held at the Uromi Town Hall in Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Addressing party faithful, community leaders, stakeholders, and supporters, Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the security of lives and property remains a top priority of his administration, noting that sustainable development and economic prosperity can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and security.

According to the Governor, his administration is working closely with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure that criminal elements operating within Edo State are decisively confronted and brought to justice.

“Governors across the country are ready to tackle insecurity with renewed commitment. Those perpetrating criminal activities will be exposed, and many of them will have no option but to flee. In Edo State, we are determined to restore security so that our farmers can confidently return to their farms and contribute to the growth of our economy,” Governor Okpebholo declared.

The Governor reiterated his administration’s determination to ensure that kidnappers, bandits, and other criminal elements no longer find Edo State a conducive environment for their operations. He stressed that firm and lawful actions against perpetrators of violent crimes would serve as a strong deterrent to others.

“I am fully committed to the fight against insecurity. Once decisive action is taken against these criminals, others will understand that Edo State is no longer a safe haven for criminality,” he stated.

Governor Okpebholo also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support and strategic partnership with the Edo State Government, describing the relationship between both administrations as instrumental to the ongoing developmental transformation of the state.

He revealed that President Tinubu had strongly advocated transparency and accountability in the management of local government resources, a policy direction that has enabled local government councils to directly access their allocations and pursue grassroots development initiatives.

“The President genuinely cares about Edo State. During our discussions, he advised that local government funds should remain with the councils, and I have adhered strictly to that directive. Today, local government chairmen have direct access to their funds, which they are deploying for development projects and economic growth across all 18 local government areas of the state,” Governor Okpebholo explained.

The Governor called on members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress to intensify grassroots mobilization efforts ahead of the forthcoming local government elections, describing the exercise as a critical foundation for the party’s broader political objectives leading into the 2027 general elections.

Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, also addressed party supporters, urging APC candidates to recognize that electoral victory comes with significant responsibilities toward grassroots development and public service delivery.

Oshiomhole praised President Tinubu for championing local government autonomy and encouraged incoming local government officials to collaborate effectively with state authorities to accelerate economic growth and infrastructural development throughout Edo State.

In his remarks, Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, welcomed defectors from opposition parties into the APC and called on party members to remain united behind Governor Okpebholo’s leadership and the party’s candidates.

“We must work together to ensure overwhelming victory in the local government elections. Such victory will demonstrate our preparedness for the 2027 general elections, where Edo State has confidently pledged to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Tenebe stated.

The Deputy State Chairman of the APC, Sylvester Aigboboh, who formally presented the party’s chairmanship and councillorship candidates, attributed the growing popularity of APC candidates to the developmental strides already recorded by the Okpebholo administration.

He highlighted several landmark achievements of the administration, including the completion of over 300 kilometres of roads, the construction of 68 healthcare centres, the procurement of 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for deployment across the state’s 18 local government areas, and increased financial support to tertiary institutions such as Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Edo University, Iyamho; Edo State Polytechnic, Usen; and the College of Education, Igueben.

Speaking on behalf of newly defected members into the APC, former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial chairman, Bishop Anthony Okosun, commended Governor Okpebholo’s developmental agenda and pledged the support of the defectors toward the realization of the administration’s vision for a prosperous and progressive Edo State.

The APC campaign rally in Uromi attracted thousands of party faithful, political leaders, stakeholders, and supporters from across Edo Central Senatorial District, further reinforcing the party’s growing momentum ahead of the forthcoming local government elections and the broader political contestations of 2027.