Okpebholo Vows to Restore Security, Return Farmers to Edo Farms
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured residents that his administration is intensifying efforts to tackle insecurity across the state, declaring that Edo will soon become safe enough for farmers to return to their farms without fear. The governor said restoring security remains one of the cardinal priorities of his administration as it seeks to boost agricultural production and protect lives and property.
Okpebholo gave the assurance on Friday during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Local Government election campaign for Edo Central Senatorial District at the Uromi Town Hall in Esan North-East Local Government Area. He said his administration is implementing decisive measures to flush out criminal elements and restore confidence among residents.
According to the governor, his government will continue to collaborate with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to guarantee peace, unity and stability across the state. He stressed that the fight against insecurity requires determination and sustained action, assuring that criminal elements terrorising communities would be brought to justice.
“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,” the governor stated while addressing party supporters and residents.
He reiterated his administration’s resolve to ensure that kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements no longer find refuge in Edo State. Okpebholo maintained that firm action against perpetrators would serve as a deterrent, adding that his government would not relent until residents could live and conduct their daily activities without fear.
The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and partnership with the Edo State Government, describing the relationship as instrumental to the developmental strides being recorded in the state. He noted that the President’s commitment to accountability has strengthened governance at the grassroots level.
Speaking on local government administration, Okpebholo disclosed that President Tinubu had directed him not to interfere with local government allocations, allowing councils direct access to their statutory funds under the local government autonomy policy. He said the development has empowered local government chairmen to execute projects capable of improving the welfare of residents across the 18 council areas.
As the local government election approaches, the governor called on APC members and supporters to intensify mobilisation in their respective communities to ensure victory for the party’s candidates. He described the election as a strategic exercise that would consolidate the party’s strength and lay the foundation for preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, urged APC chairmanship and councillorship candidates to prepare for the responsibilities of leadership, noting that electoral victory must translate into meaningful grassroots development. He also commended President Tinubu for granting local government autonomy and urged elected officials to work closely with the state government to drive economic transformation.
Also speaking, Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, welcomed defectors into the party and appealed to members to remain united behind Governor Okpebholo and the party’s candidates. The party’s Deputy State Chairman, Sylvester Aigboboh, highlighted the administration’s achievements, including the completion of over 300 kilometres of roads, construction of 68 healthcare centres, procurement of 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for the 18 local government areas, and increased funding for Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo University, Iyamho, Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, and the College of Education, Igueben. Speaking on behalf of the defectors, former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial chairman, Bishop Anthony Okosun, commended the governor’s developmental achievements and pledged the support of the new members for the APC administration’s vision of building a new Edo State.