A former Edo State Governor and senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, has backed the death penalty proposed by the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo for kidnappers and bandits.
Oshiomhole spoke while addressing party supporters at the flag-off of the Edo North Senatorial District local government election campaign held at the public field in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State on Saturday.
In a statement on Sunday by Okpebholo’s media aide, Patrick Ebojele, Oshiomhole said civil liberties had been restored in Edo State under Okpebholo’s administration, adding that only criminals had reasons to fear the state.
“I stand here to completely endorse the declaration by the governor of Edo State that we are in a federation where every state has the right to enact laws on punishment when it comes to state offences. So kidnappers and bandits will be punished by death through firing squad,” he said.
He added that he supported the creation of state police, saying it would complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force in tackling insecurity.
Also speaking at the event, Okpebholo said his administration was committed to working for the development and well-being of Edo people, noting that several projects had been initiated across the state.
He said the government had embarked on major infrastructure projects, including roads, schools and markets, which he said were aimed at improving the lives of residents.
We have embarked on massive infrastructural development in the state, including roads, schools, markets and others. These achievements were not there in the past, but this administration has made them possible,” the governor said.
Okpebholo also praised President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, saying it had increased resources available to state governments for development projects.
The removal of fuel subsidy has provided more funds for governors across the country to develop their states. This is the money we are using as a government to develop Edo State through massive road construction, schools and other infrastructure projects,” he said.
The governor said the campaign was an opportunity to introduce APC candidates to voters and urged supporters to work towards delivering 2.5 million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
He also commended the completion of rehabilitation work on the Auchi-Ekpoma-Benin Road, describing it as a major achievement of the Tinubu administration.
Okpebholo urged party members to mobilise support, campaign effectively and ensure victory for APC candidates in the forthcoming local government election.
The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, urged the candidates to prioritise grassroots development if elected, saying they must ensure residents across Edo’s 18 local government areas benefit from democracy.
This election is a major step towards the 2027 general election in the country. I thank the leadership of the party for building a strong party in Edo State,” Momoh said.
The APC state chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, urged the party’s candidates to emulate Edo’s founding leaders by prioritising development and service delivery at the grassroots.
He described local government administration as the closest level of government to the people and charged council chairmen to work with Okpebholo to replicate the administration’s achievements across the state.
