By Rasheed Lateef
Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has thrown his weight behind the Edo State Government’s proposed death penalty for convicted kidnappers and bandits, declaring that only criminals should be worried by the administration’s security measures.
Oshiomhole made the remarks on Sunday at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for the forthcoming local government elections in Edo North Senatorial District, held at the Public Field in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area.
Addressing party supporters, the former Edo governor endorsed Governor Monday Okpebholo’s plan to introduce stiffer punishment for kidnapping and related violent crimes.
“I completely endorse the declaration by the governor of Edo State. Kidnappers and bandits should face death by firing squad when the law is enacted,” Oshiomhole said.
He also renewed his support for the establishment of state police, arguing that decentralised policing would strengthen efforts to combat insecurity across the country.
Governor Okpebholo, who attended the campaign alongside senior APC leaders, urged party supporters to deliver victory for the party’s chairmanship and councillorship candidates in the July local government election.
The governor said his administration had embarked on road construction, school rehabilitation, market development and other infrastructure projects aimed at improving living conditions across the state.
He also defended the Federal Government’s removal of fuel subsidy, saying the policy had increased allocations to states and provided resources for infrastructure development.
According to him, the additional revenue has enabled the Edo State Government to execute projects across various sectors.
Okpebholo called on party members to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the local government election and urged supporters to begin preparations for the 2027 general election.
Also speaking, Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, described the council election as a crucial step in strengthening the APC ahead of future electoral contests.
He urged the party’s candidates to focus on community development and responsive governance if elected into office.
The APC Chairman in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, charged the party’s candidates to provide effective leadership at the grassroots, describing local government as the tier of government closest to the people.
The campaign attracted party faithful, political appointees and senior APC leaders from across Edo North Senatorial District as the ruling party intensified its campaign for the forthcoming council election.
