Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has vowed not to allow criminal elements an inch of space in the State.
This is just as he assured the people of the state that their security and welfare remain the cardinal pillars of his administration.
The governor stated this at a meeting with heads of security agencies, which held at Iyamho, the hometown of former governor and incumbent Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole.
At the meeting which took place on Wednesday, were prominent political, religious, and traditional leaders, heads of security agencies in the State, and other key stakeholders.
They converged to brainstorm on how to address the peculiar security challenges in Edo North.
Governor Okpebholo, after the meeting held behind closed doors, said under his watch, criminal elements will not succeed in destabilising Edo State. He vowed to unleash state might on all criminal elements terrorising the people in a bid to make the state peaceful for all.
The Governor noted that it was necessary to have notable political, religious, and traditional leaders attend the meeting because the state’s leadership needed to harvest their input and possible solutions.
“We came here for a peaceful discussion regarding security, and all our leaders are here, both traditional and religious. The closed-door meeting was successful as we had good deliberations, and discussions were fruitful. Let us watch it from here. Things will become perfect in our land,” he stated.
Senator Oshiomhole, after the meeting, commended the Governor for his approach to handling security issues in the State.
“Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has come to Edo North to discuss with the people what he has been doing and what he will do in terms of security of lives and property in the State.
“The meeting lasted for three hours, and it enabled the governor to listen to comments from stakeholders and all those present. The governor assured us that he will continue to ensure Edo is safe for us all.
“The governor recognized that the local people have their role to play. We have discussed how the communities will work with security agencies by forwarding any useful information they have to the governor through available channels.
“The governor came to meet with us and to hear us out. This is the first time a governor is doing this. I do not think during my time as a governor, I came for security meetings like we have done today.
“The people have expressed their confidence in the governor. They have reaffirmed their loyalty and commitment to work together with the security agencies so that Afenmai land will be safe,” he added.
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, appreciated all who came for the stakeholders’ meeting and urged them to collaborate to ensure peace in Edo State.
“We are very much appreciative of our governor and all the traditional rulers who have come for us all to deliberate on the security of our people and our land. People have spoken their minds on the way forward, and we will work with it to ensure our land knows peace,” he stated.
A traditional ruler from Edo North, His Royal Highness, Mallam Ali Suleiman, the Clan Head of Three Ivie Kingdom, said the security meeting had given stakeholders more confidence, while traditional rulers have resolved to collaborate with security agencies and stakeholders to ensure peace in Edo State.
“Today, we are experiencing a landmark event in response to security issues agitating our minds. The Governor came here by himself, not delegating anyone to handle the meeting.
“We have been very worried about the development. The Governor came here himself, and also the Minister for Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh and this has given us confidence. We, the traditional rulers, have resolved to work with security agencies and all stakeholders to ensure the State is safe for us all,” he said