By Owen Eresoyen, Benin
Former Edo State Governor and senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has endorsed the death penalty proposed by Governor Monday Okpebholo for kidnappers and bandits.
Oshiomhole made the declaration while addressing party supporters at the flag-off of the Edo North local government election campaign in Auchi, Etsako West LGA.
Present at the rally were Governor Okpebholo, Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh, APC State Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, Deputy Chairman Sylvester Aigboboh, and other top officials, who rallied support for APC candidates ahead of next month’s polls.
Governor Okpebholo said his administration was committed to development and wellbeing of Edo people, highlighting ongoing projects in roads, schools, and markets. He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, saying it had increased resources available to states for infrastructure.
“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 to develop Edo State through massive road construction, schools and other projects,” Okpebholo said.
He urged APC supporters to mobilise for victory in the local government elections and deliver 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Minister Momoh called on candidates to prioritise grassroots development, while APC Chairman Tenebe urged council chairmen to replicate the governor’s achievements at the local level.
Oshiomhole, in his remarks, said civil liberties had been restored in Edo under Okpebholo’s administration, adding that only criminals had reasons to fear. “I stand here to completely endorse the declaration by the governor of Edo State… kidnappers and bandits will be punished by death through firing squad,” he said.
He also backed the creation of state police, arguing it would complement the Nigeria Police Force in tackling insecurity.
