BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called for stronger collaboration between his administration and traditional rulers across the state’s 18 local government areas to tackle insecurity and other criminal activities.
The governor made the appeal on Thursday while receiving traditional rulers from Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Benin City.
According to him, traditional rulers remain indispensable partners in the fight against crime because of their close ties to their communities and their knowledge of residents and newcomers.
“There are so many security challenges, and the best people to help me fight insecurity are the traditional rulers. You know your communities because you know those who live there and those coming into the area,” Okpebholo said.
The governor noted that recent kidnapping incidents in the state were allegedly aided by local collaborators who were familiar with the movements and financial status of victims.
“Our people know those who are wealthy and those who are not. They know the movement of people within the community. If we must stop insecurity in Edo State, we must work together to achieve this purpose,” he added.
Okpebholo urged traditional rulers not to shield or encourage criminal elements within their domains, stressing the need to discourage youths from engaging in crime.
“Let nobody encourage crime. Our children should not be involved. They should understand that crime is dangerous. The President is not happy about the security situation in the country, and I am not happy as well,” he said.
The governor also appealed to the monarchs to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the next presidential election, expressing confidence that Edo State would deliver substantial votes for the President.
Responding on behalf of the visiting traditional rulers, the Ojuromi of Uromi, HRM Anslem Edenojie II, passed a vote of confidence in Governor Okpebholo, describing his development efforts across Edo State as commendable.
The monarch assured the governor of the continued support and cooperation of traditional rulers in promoting peace, security and sustainable development across the state.
The governor’s remarks were contained in a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele.
