A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Roland Igbadume, has applauded Governor Monday Okpebholo over what he described as a proactive and effective management of the security situation in the state since assumed office in 2024.
Igbadume blamed the pockets of unrest in the state on the activities of miscreants rather than systemic failure, and urged residents and stakeholders to support Okpebholo's administration.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the APC chieftain noted that the governor's security approach is already yielding tangible results across the South South state.
According to him, the recent visit of the deputy head of mission of the Italian Embassy in Abuja, Iacopo Foti, to Edo state has helped counter negative narratives portraying the state as unsafe.
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"The governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo is doing a great job. His handling of the security situation deserves commendation.
He has taken the battle to the dens of kidnappers and many of them have relocated from Edo.
"What we need this time is for all of us to join hands with the State government to make Edo safer for us. We must not forget that we don't have any other State to call our own," Igbadume said.
He dismissed reports of worsening insecurity in the state, saying the Italian diplomat's visit was evidence that the reality on ground differs significantly from opposition narratives.
Igbadume said, "Only a few weeks ago, Mr Iacopo Foti, the Deputy Head of Mission of the Italian Embassy was in Edo. He met with the governor and visited the three senatorial districts where he had stakeholder engagement. At the end of his visit, he described Edo as much better than he expected. He felt safe throughout his stay in the state.
"What that shows is that the narrative being weaved in the media by the opposition is different from the reality on ground. We must support the governor to enable him implement his development agenda for the benefit of our teeming youths across the three senatorial districts."
He called on local and foreign investors to bring their businesses to Edo as Okpebholo has successfully waged the war against cultism, kidnapping and all manner of insecurity since he took over the administration of the state.
"The Governor Okpebholo-led administration has made life difficult for kidnappers, cultists, criminals and what have you. This has made Edo State the first investment destination of choice to local and foreign businessmen.
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"As expected, the last Christmas celebration was one of the best in recent times. Everywhere was peaceful across the three senatorial districts. We must do our part to sustain this peace now and in the future," Igbadume added.
