Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, has endorsed the Edo State Government’s proposal to impose the death penalty on convicted kidnappers and bandits, saying the measure is necessary to tackle worsening insecurity.
Oshiomhole made the declaration on Saturday during the launch of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for the Edo North Senatorial District local government elections at the Public Field in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area.
His remarks were contained in a statement issued on Sunday, June 28, by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s media aide, Patrick Ebojele.
The senator said only criminal elements should be worried about the current administration, arguing that law-abiding residents have nothing to fear.
“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,” Oshiomhole said.
He also reaffirmed his support for the establishment of state police, describing it as a necessary step that would strengthen security efforts alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, while addressing supporters, said his administration was focused on improving the lives of residents through infrastructure development across the state.
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According to him, road construction, school rehabilitation, market upgrades and other projects are already underway.
“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,” Okpebholo said.
The governor also praised President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, saying the policy has increased the financial resources available to states.
“The removal of fuel subsidy has provided more funds for governors across the country to develop their states.
“This is the money we are using as a government to develop Edo State through massive road construction, schools and other infrastructure projects,” he said.
Okpebholo described the campaign rally as an opportunity to formally present the APC’s chairmanship and councillorship candidates ahead of the local government elections scheduled for next month.
He urged party supporters to mobilise voters for the polls and work towards delivering 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
The governor also commended the rehabilitation of the Auchi-Ekpoma-Benin Road, describing it as a major achievement of the Tinubu administration.