Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, today, said the security architecture of the state had been restructured as his administration had flushed kidnappers out of the key zones and drastically reduced cultism to its barest level.
The Governor also revealed that his administration was building a new Edo that works and protects its people, as well as delivers tangible results.
A statement issued by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor quoted him as giving the revelations at an event held at the Government House to celebrate this year’s Democracy Day.
Itua said the governor assured the people that his administration would work for the good of all.
Governor Okpebholo said June 12 reminds the people that democracy was not just a system of government but a call to justice, unity, and purpose.
According ording to the statement, he commended President Bola Tinubu, who, he said, “is a true hero of our time.”
He added, “In the face of immense pressures and uncertainties, Mr. President did what many before him couldn’t do, now moving the nation forward.
“Despite the odds against Abiola, he stood for the people, for democracy and for Nigeria where hope could thrive. It is from that legacy that President Tinubu drew the vision for renewed hope.
“As a state, we are no longer standing in the shadows. We are rising. We are building a new Edo, a State that works, that protects its people and that delivers real, tangible results,” Governor Okpebholo stated.
“We did not achieve this by chance. We did it through deliberate strategy, community intelligence, and the creation of the Edo State Security Corps.
“Today, over 2,500 personnel have been trained by the Nigerian Military and police and are currently being deployed to keep our streets, schools, and villages safe.
“These are not just mere politics. These are real, practical, life-changing actions that show what leadership can achieve when purpose meets political will.
“As we celebrate Democracy Day, let us continue to uphold the values of culture, unity, and progress that define our journey as a people.
“We are not here to make noise but to make impact, and with your continued support, Edo State will not just be the heartbeat of the nation. It will be the standard.”
The Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, thanked the Governor for working with him as an opposition party member and Speaker of the House. He assured that the House will collaborate with him and ensure he fulfills all his electioneering promises to the people.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe congratulated Nigerians and Edo people on the attainment of 26 years uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria.
He noted that Edo experienced anti-democratic forces that almost destroyed the state for 8 years until Governor Okpebholo assumed office and rescued it.
In a goodwill message, leader of APC in Edo Senatorial District and Director of Administration and Logistics of the Chief Moshood Abiola/SDP Presidential Campaign Council for the June 12 1993 Presidential election, Senator Mathew Urhoghide, said a lot of Nigerians struggled for the liberation of the country and today enjoying un-interrupted democratic journey.
He noted that “Edo sons played a vital role in that election, which shows that Edo people are a force to reckon with.”
A leader of APC in the state, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, commended the Governor for persuading opposition party members to join the APC, a development that had made the party become the majority in the House of Assembly.
The Senatorial leader of APC in Edo Central Senatorial District, Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd) thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for being a true replica of democracy, following his actions and policies in the last six months.
The high point of the event was the defection of the senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, Neda Imasuen from the Labour Party to the APC.
Guests at the occasion included the Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa; the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Gani Audu; former Deputy Governor of Edo State Pius Odubu; the Acting State Deputy Chairman, Sylvester Aigboboh; the Secretary of APC Edo State chapter, Engr. Lawrence Okah; APC state youth leader, Tony Adun; Commissioners, Special Advisers and members of the State House of Assembly.
