Momoh Umar Momoh, Benin
As part of efforts to stem the tide of insecurity, the Edo State Government has held a stakeholders’ meeting with political, traditional, and religious leaders in the Edo North Senatorial District.
The closed-door meeting attended by prominent political, religious, and traditional leaders and heads of security agencies in the six local government areas that make up the Senatorial district lasted for over three hours.
The meeting was also attended by other key stakeholders to brainstorm on how best to address the unbridled security challenges in the Senatorial district.
The stakeholders’ meeting was held at Iyamho, the country home of Senator Adams Oshiomhole in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.
Addressing the gathering, the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, assured that under his administration criminal elements would not succeed in destabilizing the State.
Okpebholo threatened to deal decisively with criminals and make the State uninhabitable for their activities.
He said the security stakeholders’ meeting had become necessary to ensure that peace and security are maintained across the State and in the Senatorial district.
According to him, we are here for a peaceful discussion regarding security, and all our leaders are here, both traditional, political, and religious leaders and other stakeholders.
“The closed-door meeting was successful as we had good deliberations, and the discussions were fruitful. Let us watch it from here. Things will be perfect in our land.
“Political, religious, and traditional leaders attended the meeting, where we all discussed the security challenges facing the people and came up with possible solutions.
“Edo people should expect a better security situation in the State, as all the deliberations will be properly utilized”, he said.
On his part, the former Governor of the State and now a senator representing the Edo Senatorial district in the National Assembly, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, lauded Governor Okpebholo for the initiative and the novel approach to handling security issues in the State.
Oshiomhole assured the people of the State that the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration would make Edo State safe for all to live and do business.
“Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has come to Edo North to discuss with the people what he has been doing and what he will do in terms of security of lives and property in Edo State.
“The meeting which lasted for three hours, enabled the Governor to listen to comments from stakeholders and all those present. He gave us the assurance that he will continue to ensure that Edo is safe for us all,” he added.
Oshiomhole, who said the governor has provided vehicles and motorbikes for the police and other security agencies, noted that the governor called the meeting because he recognized that the local people have their own role to play.
“We have discussed how the community will work with security agencies and forward any information they have to the Governor through available channels.
“This is the first time a Governor has done this. I do not think during my time as a governor, I came for security meetings like we have done today.
“The people have expressed their confidence in the Governor. They have reaffirmed their loyalty and commitment to work together with the security agencies so that Afenmai land will be safe,” he stated.
Also speaking, Gabriel Dunia, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, appreciated the Governor and all the traditional rulers who attended the meeting to deliberate on the security of the state, the people, and the Senatorial district.
Dunia urged them to collaborate to ensure peace in Edo State.
“We are very much appreciative of our Governor and all the traditional rulers who have come for us all to deliberate on the security of our people and our land.
“People have spoken their minds on the way forward, and we will work with him to ensure our land knows peace,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers in the district, HRH, Mallam Ali Suleiman, the Ogieaga of the three-Ibie Clan explained that the meeting had given stakeholders confidence in the administration of Governor Okpebholo.
Suleiman, a traditional ruler in Etsako East Local Government Area stated that the traditional rulers have resolved to collaborate with security agencies and stakeholders to ensure peace in Edo State.
“Today, we are experiencing a landmark event in response to security issues agitating our minds. The Governor came here himself, not delegating anyone to handle the meeting.
“We have been very worried about the development in our land and in the entire state. We also have here the Minister for Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, and this has given us confidence.
“We, the traditional rulers, have resolved to work with security agencies and all stakeholders to ensure that the State is safe for us all,” he said.
The meeting was attended by notable personalities in the Senatorial district which include Hon Blessing Agbebaku, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Engr Abubakar Momoh, Minister for Regional Development, former deputy governors of Edo State, Peter Obadan and Philip Shaibu.
Others are the former Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, who was also a former deputy governor in the state, and former Minister for State Budget, Clem Agba, among others.
