Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, has supported the proposed death penalty for kidnappers and bandits in Edo State, describing the measure as a necessary response to rising insecurity.
Oshiomhole spoke on Saturday at the launch of the All Progressives Congress campaign for the forthcoming local government elections in Edo North, held in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area.
The senator said the state government was within its rights to enact laws aimed at tackling criminal activities and maintaining public safety.
“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.
He also renewed his support for the creation of state police, saying it would strengthen efforts to combat insecurity and complement the work of existing security agencies.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, who attended the event, highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects across the state, including road construction, school upgrades and market development.
“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.
Okpebholo urged party members to mobilise support for APC candidates ahead of next month’s council elections and commended ongoing federal-backed infrastructure projects in the state.
Also speaking, the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, called on APC candidates to focus on grassroots development and ensure residents across Edo’s local government areas benefit 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.
APC State Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, also charged the party’s candidates to prioritise service delivery and work closely with the state government to extend development to local communities.
