Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has thrown his weight behind the Edo State Government’s proposal to impose the death penalty on convicted kidnappers and bandits.
Speaking at the launch of the All Progressives Congress (APC) local government election campaign in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, on Saturday, Oshiomhole said the state had every right to enact tough laws to tackle crimes threatening the safety of residents.
According to him, Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration has restored order and protected the rights of law-abiding citizens, stressing that only criminals should be worried about the government’s approach to security.
“I fully support the governor’s position. In our federal system, states have the authority to make laws and prescribe punishments for offences under their jurisdiction. Kidnappers and bandits who terrorise innocent people deserve the maximum penalty, including death by firing squad,” Oshiomhole said.
The former governor also renewed his call for the establishment of state police, arguing that it would strengthen security efforts and complement the work of the Nigeria Police Force.
Governor Okpebholo, who also addressed party supporters, said his administration remained focused on improving the lives of Edo residents through infrastructure development and social programmes.
He highlighted ongoing projects across the state, including road construction, school rehabilitation and market upgrades, describing them as evidence of his government’s commitment to delivering meaningful development.
“We have embarked on massive infrastructure projects across Edo State. Roads are being constructed, schools are being improved, and markets are being upgraded. These are things the people can see and feel,” the governor said.
Okpebholo also praised President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, saying the policy had increased the funds available to state governments for development.
“The resources now available to states are helping us execute projects that directly impact the lives of our people. That is why Edo State is witnessing significant development,” he added.
The governor urged party members to mobilise support ahead of the local government election and work towards delivering what he described as a strong electoral showing for the APC in future elections, including the 2027 presidential poll.
Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, also called on APC candidates to focus on grassroots development if elected, noting that local governments remain the closest tier of government to the people.
APC State Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, encouraged the party’s candidates to prioritise service delivery and work closely with the state government to extend development projects to all parts of Edo State.
Several party leaders and government officials attended the rally, which served as the formal kick-off of the APC’s campaign for the upcoming local government elections.
