Okpebholo Vows to Restore Security, Return Farmers to Their Farms as APC Flags Off Edo Central Campaign

By Rosemary Okoduwa

Okpebholo Pledges to Strengthen Security, Restore Farmers to Their Farms as APC Flags Off Edo Central Campaign
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured residents that his administration is intensifying efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and restore lasting peace, adding that farmers will soon be able to return to their farms without fear.

According to a statement signed by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Edo State, the governor 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.

Governor Okpebholo said security remains one of the top priorities of his administration, stressing that his government is working closely with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to safeguard lives and property while promoting peace, unity and stability across the state.

He maintained that the fight against insecurity requires decisive action, warning that criminal elements terrorising communities would 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,” the governor said.

The governor reaffirmed his determination to ensure that kidnappers and bandits do not find a safe haven in Edo State, noting that firm action against criminals would serve as a strong deterrent.
“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.

Governor Okpebholo also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support and partnership with the Edo State Government, describing the collaboration as instrumental to the developmental progress being recorded across the state.
He disclosed that President Tinubu encouraged transparency in the management of local government funds, adding that the implementation of local government autonomy has enabled councils to access their allocations directly for 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,” he said.

The governor urged APC members and supporters to mobilise across their communities to ensure victory for the party’s candidates in the forthcoming local government elections, describing the polls as a critical step in preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, charged APC candidates to prepare for the responsibilities of governance, stressing that electoral victory must translate into meaningful grassroots development. Oshiomhole thanked President Tinubu for granting local government autonomy and urged the party’s candidates to work closely with the executive arm of government to advance the vision of transforming Edo State’s economy.

Earlier, the Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, welcomed defectors into the party and called on members to remain united behind Governor Okpebholo 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, while presenting the chairmanship and councillorship candidates, said the governor’s achievements had strengthened the APC’s campaign across the state.

He highlighted the completion of about 300 kilometres of roads, the construction of 68 healthcare centres, the procurement of 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for the 18 local government areas, and improved 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 Governor Okpebholo’s developmental initiatives and pledged the support of the new members for the APC administration’s vision of building a greater Edo State.