The Peoples Democratic Party(PDP’s) latest press release is a clear indication that they are not awake yet from their loss in the governorship election as they attempt to politicize the issue of security challenges in Edo State.
While we acknowledge the concerns raised by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, we must not lose sight of the fact that the current administration has been working tirelessly to address the security challenges facing the state.
Christopher Nehikhare and his co- travellers in the state must be reminded that the security challenges in Edo State are not an isolated one but across the country. Staging combat instead of collaboration depicts insensitivity in Chris Nehikhare attempts to pull a weak and floating punch in an empty bag.
In fact, Governor Monday Okpebholo has recently signed the Secret Cult and Similar Activities Prohibition Bill, 2024, into law, which provides stiffer penalties for cultists and their sponsors.
Let me quickly remind Nehikhare that it is just December here, the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, signed the kidnapping prohibition amendment law 2025. Shortly after the signing, the governor said the law is poised to give a bold face to extant laws against the act of kidnapping, as this will further ensure strict sanctions against criminality in Edo.
Besides, in his move to show that he was not just signing for keeps, Governor Okpebholo took a bold step to implement where he demolished buildings belonging to convicted kidnappers which further demonstrates his commitment to boosting security in Edo State, even though we know his is fulfilling his campaign promise.
The amended laws provide for severe penalties, including the death penalty for convicted kidnappers, confiscation and demolition of properties, and severe penalties for accomplices. This move again demonstrates the government’s commitment to tackling the root causes of insecurity in the state that his principal could not do.
However, we take exception to the PDP’s attempt to rewrite history by claiming that former Governor Godwin Obaseki had a proven track record of building an effective security framework in Edo State. The facts speak for themselves, and we will not let the PDP distort reality for political gain.
But then let us ask some questions about recent events. Where was Nehikhare on Saturday, January 2023, when 32 persons, including two workers at the train station, were abducted while waiting to board a train by bandits who invaded the station with sophisticated weapons?
Can we also recall when a Christian cleric, Apostle Johnson Suleman’s convoy, was attacked by gunmen along the Benin-Auchi Road, on October 21, 2022, and six of his aides were killed?
In January 2024, a gang of kidnappers reportedly took over a police checkpoint in Edo State. Has Chris Nehikhare forgotten how the Head of Service(HOS), Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, was kidnapped and taken away for weeks?
What about how Governor Obaseki was chased away from a building he occupied close to the civil service club in a daring security report and relocated to the Government House towards the end of his tenure.
The daring kidnappers also attacked some policemen on patrol at the unnamed checkpoint during the last tenure where Chris Nehikhare prominently featured. We understand the pains of Chris Nehikhare, who is now out of the government job and hurriedly took the tentative job at the party level.
Since then, he has been used to getting up in the morning to just vegetate the entire day doing nothing as he only evaporates and condenses at the PDP Secretariat that is now preparing for its funeral services.
Governor Okpebholo activities since he was sworn in as the governor have become a nightmare for Nehikhare and his party whose pussycat has been strangulated. Rather than resorting to baseless attacks and blame games, we urge the PDP to join hands with the current administration to find solutions to the inherited security challenges facing Edo State.
It’s time to put politics aside and prioritize the safety and well-being of our people, as they should focus on working together to build a safer and more secure Edo State for all.
Edo Osaho
Writes from Benin
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