Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has stated that the rising insecurity across Nigeria is not a mere breakdown of law and order, but a deliberate political plot to destabilise the country and undermine the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He made this strong assertion on Wednesday while receiving a delegation of the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Edo State chapter, at the Government House in Benin City.
Okpebholo drew a direct parallel to past political turmoil, suggesting that the perpetrators are employing a familiar strategy of violence to achieve political ends. “No matter the intimidation, we will not succumb”, he declared.
He said, “What they are doing is to fuel kidnapping because they want to distract and discredit Mr. President. They did it to President Goodluck Jonathan. They succeeded then, but we will not allow it this time. Mr President is resolute.”
The meeting, however, also advanced a positive agenda of economic collaboration and inclusive growth. The delegation, led by their President, Chief Benjamin Ezewere, had come to congratulate the governor on his first year in office and formally endorse his administration’s economic blueprint, the SHINE Agenda.
In his remarks, Governor Okpebholo warmly welcomed the endorsement and assured the group that their specific requests, particularly concerning infrastructure around key commercial areas, would receive his administration’s urgent attention.
He highlighted ongoing work at Uteh, near a major market, to install proper drainage and addressed plans to fix the deplorable Mechanic Road.
Speaking directly to the heart of the Igbo community’s entrepreneurial spirit, the governor emphasised his commitment to creating a peaceful and business-friendly environment.
“We must develop our State. Business must thrive here. People who want to do business must not be discouraged. The only way to support them is to ensure peace and a friendly environment. That way, government can also earn revenue through taxes,” he stated.
The Ohaneze Ndigbo leadership, in their response, expressed strong alignment with the governor’s economic vision. They commended his achievements in his first year and presented key appeals, most notably the construction of access roads leading to the bustling Monee Market along Agbor Road, which they identified as critical for commerce and community development.
Discussion about this post