Worsening insecurity: Okpebholo convokes stakeholders’ meeting

By Jethro Ibileke

Edo Governor, Monday Okpebholo on Tuesday convoked stakeholders’ meeting to address the worsening security challenges in the State, particularly in the Northern district.

Prominent political, religious, and traditional leaders, heads of security agencies in the State, and other key stakeholders were present at the meeting held held behind closed doors in Iyamho, Etsako West Local Government Area of the State.

Those present included the Speaker the State House of Assembly (EDHA), Blessing Agbebaku; former Governor of Edo State and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; Minister for Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; former Deputy Governors Peter Obadan and Philip Shaibu.

Others were the former Chief of Staff to the President, Mike Ogiadomeh; former Minister for State Budget, Clem Agba; traditional and religious leaders, security chiefs, and other stakeholders in the security sector.

They brainstormed on how to address the peculiar security challenges in Edo North.

Speaking after the meeting, the Governor who said no criminal elements will succeed in distabilizing the State under his watch, vowed to deal with them decisively and make the Edo inhabitable for their activities.

He noted that the security stakeholders’ meeting had become necessary to ensure peace and security are maintained across the State, particularly in Edo North.

The Governor said Edo people should expect a better security situation in the State, as all the deliberations will be properly utilized.

“We came here for a peaceful discussion regarding security, and all our leaders are here, both traditional and religious leaders. The closed door meeting was successful as we had a good deliberation, and discussions were fruitful. We had a perfect discussion. Let us watch it from here. Things will be perfect in our land,” he stated.

Also speaking, former Governor Oshiomhole commended Governor Okpebholo for his approach to handling security issues in the State.

He appreciated him for the security meeting and assured Edo people that the Governor Okpebholo-led administration will make Edo State safe for all to live and do business.

“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 Edo State.

“The meeting lasted for three hours, and it enabled the Governor to listen to comments from stakeholders and all those present. The Governor gave us the assurance that he will continue to ensure Edo is safe for us all.

“The Governor recognized that the local people have their own role to play. We have discussed how the community will work with security agencies and forward any information they have to the Governor through available channels.

“The Governor came to meet 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.

On his part, the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Auchi, 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 (HRH), Mallam Ali Suleiman, said the security meeting has given stakeholders 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 and 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.