Oshiomhole backs proposed death penalty for kidnappers, bandits in Edo

A former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, has thrown his weight behind the proposed death penalty for kidnappers and bandits by the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Oshiomhole said the measure was necessary to curb rising insecurity, insisting that criminals should have no place in Edo State.

The former governor spoke on Saturday while addressing party supporters at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress campaign for the Edo North Senatorial District local government elections held at the Public Field in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area.

His remarks were contained in a statement issued on Sunday by Governor Okpebholo’s media aide, Patrick Ebojele.

Oshiomhole said the restoration of civil liberties under the current administration meant that only criminal elements had reasons to fear the government.

“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 senator also reiterated his support for the creation of state police, saying the initiative would complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force in tackling insecurity across the country.

Okpebholo, in his address, said his administration remained committed to improving the welfare of Edo residents through the execution of development projects across the state.

He listed roads, schools and markets among key infrastructure projects already being undertaken by his government.

“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.

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Okpebholo also commended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, saying the policy had increased the resources available to state governments for development.

“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 said.

The governor described the campaign as an opportunity to formally present the APC’s chairmanship and councillorship candidates to voters ahead of next month’s local government elections.

He urged party supporters to mobilise massively for the elections and work towards delivering 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

Okpebholo also applauded the completion of rehabilitation work on the Auchi-Ekpoma-Benin Road, describing it as one of the major achievements of the Tinubu administration.

Also speaking, the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, urged APC candidates to prioritise grassroots development if elected, stressing the need to ensure that residents across the state’s 18 local government areas benefited from democratic governance.

“This election is a major step towards the 2027 general election in the country. I thank the leadership of the party for building a strong party in Edo State,” Momoh said.

The APC Chairman in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, charged the party’s candidates to emulate the state’s founding leaders by focusing on development and quality service delivery at the grassroots.

He described local government administration as the tier of government closest to the people and urged council chairmen to work closely with Governor Okpebholo in extending the administration’s developmental strides across the state.

Among those present at the campaign flag-off were Governor Monday Okpebholo, Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh, APC State Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, Deputy State Chairman Sylvester Aigboboh and other senior government officials, who rallied support for the party’s candidates ahead of the local government election.