Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has thrown his weight behind the proposal by the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo to impose the death penalty on kidnappers and bandits, while also reiterating his support for the establishment of state police as part of efforts to tackle insecurity.
Oshiomhole made the remarks on Sunday while addressing supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the flag-off of the party's Edo North Senatorial District local government election campaign held at the Public Field in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area.
The campaign rally was attended by Governor Monday Okpebholo, Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, APC State Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, Deputy State Chairman, Sylvester Aigboboh, and other party leaders, who mobilised support for the party's candidates ahead of the forthcoming local government elections.
Speaking on the state's security challenges, Oshiomhole said he fully endorsed the governor's proposal to enact laws prescribing capital punishment for kidnappers and bandits, arguing that state governments have constitutional powers to legislate on offences within their jurisdiction.
"I stand here to completely endorse the declaration by the Governor of Edo State that we are in a federation where every state has the right to enact laws on punishment when it comes to state offences. So kidnappers and bandits will be punished by death through firing squad," he said.
The former governor maintained that the restoration of security and protection of lives and property should remain a priority, adding that only criminals had reason to fear the current administration in the state.
Oshiomhole also renewed his advocacy for the creation of state police, describing it as a critical complement to the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force in addressing insecurity across the country.
Governor Okpebholo, in his address, said his administration remained committed to improving the welfare of Edo residents through massive investment in infrastructure, including roads, schools and markets.
According to him, the ongoing projects are designed to stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life of the people.
"We have embarked on massive infrastructural development in the state, including roads, schools, markets and others. These achievements were not there in the past, but this administration has made them possible," the governor said.
Okpebholo also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, saying the policy had increased financial resources available to states for developmental projects.
"The removal of fuel subsidy has provided more funds for governors across the country to develop their states. This is the money we are using as a government to develop Edo State through massive road construction, schools and other infrastructure projects," he stated.
The governor urged APC members to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the local government election and challenged party supporters to work towards delivering 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
He also applauded the completion of rehabilitation works on the Auchi-Ekpoma-Benin Road, describing it as one of the landmark achievements of the Tinubu administration.
Also speaking, the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, called on APC candidates to prioritise grassroots development if elected, stressing that residents across Edo State's 18 local government areas should enjoy the dividends of democracy.
He described the council election as a crucial step towards strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general election.
Meanwhile, APC State Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, urged the party's candidates to emulate the developmental strides of the state's founding leaders by focusing on quality service delivery at the grassroots.
He noted that local government administration remained the closest tier of government to the people and charged prospective council chairmen to work closely with Governor Okpebholo in extending development to communities across the state.
