By Osehobo Ofure, Benin City
The security challenges currently besetting Edo State did not originate during Governor Monday Okpebholo’s tenure; rather, they are a lingering legacy predating his administration. Thus, it is entirely reasonable to assert that the Governor, having barely occupied office for five months, inherited a dire and deeply entrenched crisis, a legacy of the preceding administration under Godwin Obaseki. Nevertheless, as a leader of principle and foresight, Governor Okpebholo has confronted these challenges with resolute determination and pioneering strategies, distinguishing himself markedly from the previous administration.
Under the previous People’s Democratic Party (PDP) government led by Godwin Obaseki, the deterioration of public safety in Edo State reached alarming proportions. During this period, citizens endured a climate of pervasive insecurity, with kidnappings, violent assaults, and general lawlessness becoming distressingly commonplace. A stark illustration of this crisis was witnessed in February 2021, when women from the Esan North East Local Government Area staged a protest in Uromi. Their demonstration was a direct response to the escalating menace posed by armed herdsmen, whose brutal attacks and abductions had instilled widespread terror. These courageous women took to the streets to decry the harrowing reality of fatal assaults while simply attempting to till their farmlands, a fundamental livelihood now fraught with peril.
Yet, in a display of historical amnesia, the Edo State chapter of the PDP brazenly attempted to capitalise on last week’s distressing Uromi incident, where rogue security elements killed innocent travellers, by disingenuously attributing blame to Governor Okpebholo, who is giving all his best from the inception of his administration to clean up the mess Obaseki left behind.
While claiming a N2 billion investment in protection infrastructure, the same previous administration provided scant evidence of this considerable outlay. Over the course of eight years, monthly security allocations of N750 million were routinely disbursed, amassing an astonishing total of N73 billion, yet this substantial expenditure has left deep questions unanswered regarding its actual deployment and tangible outcomes. The protection situation reached such severity that even Tony Aziegbemi, the PDP chairman himself, became one of the victims of abduction, the very mobster that fester under the watch of Obaseki and the PDP leadership. These realities undermine current PDP narratives attempting to attribute security failures to Governor Okpebholo.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, characterized by decisiveness and genuine concern, has distinguished his administration through his hands-on approach to protection challenges. His governance style marks a welcome transformation for Edo State. Unlike the previous administration’s apparent paralysis when confronting protection threats, Governor Okpebholo exhibits remarkable crisis response capabilities and authentic solicitude for constituent welfare. His immediate action following recent incidents demonstrates his engaged leadership approach and dedication to public protection.
Following the Uromi tragedy, Governor Okpebholo promptly visited the impacted community. This swift engagement and diplomacy reveal his governance philosophy: maintaining presence where citizens experience suffering, witnessing their challenges directly, and providing assurance of governmental support. As Chief Protection Officer, his engagement extended beyond local response. Recognizing the national dimensions of protection challenges, Governor Okpebholo journeyed to Abuja for direct presidential briefings and engaged with the Deputy Senate President to secure federal assistance.
The Governor’s empathetic character shines through his response to adversity. He personally visited bereaved families from Bankure Local Government in Kano State. This outreach transcends political divisions and reflects his commitment to national cohesion and human dignity. During these encounters, Governor Okpebholo, recognised for his empathy and personal engagement, assured grieving families of forthcoming justice, offering tangible action beyond mere consolation.
Under Governor Okpebholo’s resolute leadership, investigations into recent incidents have produced meaningful outcomes, with fourteen apprehensions completed swiftly. This progress highlights his administration’s productive collaboration with enforcement agencies. His justice commitment remains steadfast, with promises that additional apprehensions will follow as investigations progress.
The Governor has demonstrated remarkable resolve in making challenging decisions. Recognising the necessity for enhanced protection structures, he removed the State Protection Corp Coordinator. This decisive measure underscores Governor Okpebholo’s unwavering commitment to results and accountability in public safety matters.
Governor Monday Okpebholo brings revitalised perspective and dynamic energy to Edo State governance. His background and core principles inform his leadership approach, emphasising openness, responsibility, and citizen-centered governance. Since assuming office, he has worked relentlessly toward building a more inclusive, protected, and thriving Edo State.
As Governor Okpebholo continues addressing Edo State’s complex protection landscape, citizens benefit from leadership that combines vision with action, compassion with strength, and determination with strategic thinking. While challenges inherited from previous administrations remain substantial, the Governor’s methodology offers authentic hope for a safer future for all Edo residents.
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