By Davidson Ogbebor

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured residents that his administration is intensifying efforts to eliminate criminal activities across the state and create a secure environment that will enable farmers to return to their farms without fear.

The governor said restoring security remains a top priority of his administration, noting that lasting peace is essential for agricultural productivity, economic growth and the overall well-being of residents.

Okpebholo gave the assurance on Friday during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for the forthcoming local government elections in Edo Central Senatorial District, held at the Uromi Town Hall in Esan North-East Local Government Area.

He said his administration would continue to collaborate with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to safeguard lives and property while promoting peace, unity and stability across Edo State.

According to him, the fight against insecurity requires firm and decisive action, stressing 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,” he said.

The governor also reiterated his determination to ensure that kidnappers and other criminal elements have no hiding place in the state, saying effective prosecution would serve as a 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.

Okpebholo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support of the Edo State Government, describing the partnership as a key driver of ongoing development across the state.

He also praised the implementation of local government autonomy, saying it had enabled councils to access their allocations directly and undertake grassroots development projects.

“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,” the governor said.

Urging APC members and supporters to mobilise ahead of the local government elections, Okpebholo described the poll as a critical step in strengthening the party’s grassroots base ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, called on APC candidates to prepare for the responsibilities of governance, stressing that electoral victory must translate into meaningful development at the grassroots.

Oshiomhole also commended President Tinubu for granting financial autonomy to local governments and urged elected council officials to work closely with the state government to advance Edo’s economic transformation.

The Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, welcomed defectors into the party and appealed to members to unite behind Governor Okpebholo and the party’s candidates in the forthcoming council elections.

“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.

Introducing the APC chairmanship and councillorship candidates, the party’s Deputy State Chairman, Sylvester Aigboboh, said the governor’s performance in office had strengthened the party’s campaign.

He listed some of the administration’s achievements to include the completion of about 300 kilometres of roads, construction of 68 primary healthcare centres, procurement of 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for distribution across the state’s 18 local government areas, and increased funding for tertiary institutions, including 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 strides and pledged the support of the new APC members for the administration’s vision of building a more prosperous Edo State.