Edo State is in turmoil, and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not holding back. In a scathing press conference, the PDP accused Governor Monday Okpebholo of failing to protect the lives and property of Edo residents, claiming that over 35 people have been killed in just two weeks. The party is demanding action, but the governor’s camp insists that progress is being made. Here’s the full story.
The Allegations: A State in Crisis
Anthony Aziegbemi, the acting caretaker committee chairman of the Edo State PDP, didn’t mince words during a press conference in Benin City on Monday. Titled “Edo PDP State-of-the-State Address,” the conference painted a grim picture of insecurity in the state.
Aziegbemi alleged that in the past two weeks alone, no fewer than 35 innocent residents have been brutally killed. Among the victims were Batemue Philip Ebo, Christopher Bello, and Victor Ogedengbe—a Catholic priest, a seminarian, and a vigilante commander in Owan East Local Government Area, respectively. The PDP chairman blamed militant groups and killer herdsmen for the violence, which has also left many injured and properties destroyed.
“The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property of citizens, and in this regard, we can categorically say that the Okpebholo-led government has failed woefully,” Aziegbemi declared.
Oshiomhole’s Outcry: A Political Ally Speaks Out
Adding fuel to the fire, Aziegbemi pointed out that even Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a political ally of Governor Okpebholo, has raised concerns about the worsening insecurity in Edo State. During a Senate plenary session, Oshiomhole lamented the dire situation, further highlighting the gravity of the crisis.
“The people of Edo State are under siege,” Aziegbemi said. “This was even acknowledged by Okpebholo’s political ally, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, during his public outcry on the floor of the Senate in Abuja.”
The PDP’s Questions: Where Are the Security Measures?
The PDP chairman didn’t stop at accusations. He posed a series of pointed questions to the governor, demanding accountability for the alleged dismantling of security measures put in place by the previous administration.
- What happened to the elaborate surveillance system with cameras and screens?
- Why were the Edo State Security Network and its leadership disarmed?
- Where are the secure communication devices handed to sector commanders?
- How many Security Council meetings has Governor Okpebholo held since taking office?
These questions underscore the PDP’s belief that the current administration has neglected its duty to protect Edo residents.
The Governor’s Response: Progress Amid Challenges
In response to the PDP’s allegations, Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, issued a statement titled “Edo State’s Security and Governance: Separating Facts from Fiction.” Itua dismissed the claims as exaggerated and politically motivated, insisting that the administration is making strides in improving security.
“Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration remains focused on fostering a safe and conducive environment for businesses and residents alike,” Itua said. He highlighted key initiatives, including the reorganization of the Edo Security Network, improved collaboration with law enforcement agencies, and investments in modern security infrastructure.
Itua also noted that the administration has procured modern security equipment, deployed personnel to hotspot areas, and established a rapid response mechanism to address security concerns swiftly. “These proactive measures contrast sharply with the past, when crime rates, including kidnappings and cult-related violence, were at alarming levels,” he added.
The Bigger Picture: A State at a Crossroads
The back-and-forth between the PDP and the governor’s camp highlights the deep political divisions in Edo State. While the PDP accuses the Okpebholo administration of incompetence and neglect, the governor’s team insists that progress is being made, albeit in the face of significant challenges.
For the people of Edo State, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With lives being lost and communities living in fear, the demand for effective leadership and tangible results is more urgent than ever.
Key Takeaways
- The Edo State PDP has accused Governor Monday Okpebholo of failing to address insecurity, claiming over 35 deaths in two weeks.
- Senator Adams Oshiomhole, an ally of the governor, has also expressed concern about the worsening security situation.
- The PDP questioned the dismantling of security measures from the previous administration and demanded accountability.
- Governor Okpebholo’s office defended its record, citing improved security initiatives and investments in infrastructure.
- The controversy underscores the urgent need for effective leadership to tackle Edo State’s security challenges.
