Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday accused opposition elements of fueling insecurity across the country in a bid to destabilise the administration of President Bola Tinubu, urging those behind the acts to desist and allow the government to focus on governance and national development.
The governor made the remarks during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress campaign for the Edo South Senatorial District local government elections held at Urhokpota Hall in Benin City.
Okpebholo said recent cases of kidnapping, banditry and terrorism had become alarming, alleging that the worsening insecurity was politically motivated and aimed at undermining the leadership of President Tinubu.
He maintained that no amount of intimidation or orchestrated violence would alter the political landscape ahead of future elections, insisting that the presidency was not vacant.
“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock,” the governor declared before party supporters and stakeholders gathered at the rally.
“They can even kidnap all of us, yes, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock. What is happening today is in the hands of the opposition.”
The governor alleged that certain political actors who had failed to gain public support were now resorting to acts capable of creating fear and instability across the country.
According to him, insecurity should never be used as a political weapon because of its devastating consequences on innocent citizens and national development.
Okpebholo questioned the rationale behind attacks on communities and abductions of citizens, warning that such actions would only destroy the society politicians seek to govern.
“They have failed. Have they not failed? Is it by kidnapping children? Then who are you going to govern? There will be nobody for you to govern,” he said.
“So let them give us peace so that the President and other elected officials can govern effectively.”
The Edo governor stressed that President Tinubu’s administration needed a stable environment to fully implement policies and programmes aimed at improving the economy and addressing challenges confronting Nigerians.
He urged citizens to support security agencies with useful information capable of tackling criminal activities while also calling for unity among political actors in the interest of national peace and progress.
Okpebholo also used the occasion to rally support for candidates of the All Progressives Congress in the forthcoming local government elections in Edo South Senatorial District, expressing confidence that the party would record victory at the polls.
He said the APC remained committed to grassroots development and good governance, adding that the local government elections would provide another opportunity for residents to consolidate on the party’s leadership in the state.
Party leaders and supporters at the event cheered the governor’s remarks, with many describing the local government elections as crucial to strengthening the APC’s political structure in Edo State.
The campaign gathering attracted party faithful, traditional leaders, youth groups and women supporters from different local government areas within the senatorial district.
Security has remained a major national concern in Nigeria, with incidents of kidnapping, banditry and attacks by armed groups reported in several parts of the country in recent years.
The Federal Government has repeatedly assured Nigerians that efforts were ongoing to combat insecurity through enhanced military operations, intelligence gathering and collaboration among security agencies.
President Tinubu has consistently pledged to strengthen national security and restore stability across affected communities since assuming office.
