Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has expressed his administration’s commitment to the safety and security of lives and property across the state.

Speaking during a visit by Muslim faithful to the New Festival Hall, Government House, in celebration of Eid al-Adha, Okpebholo, who was represented by his Deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, emphasized that the present administration remains focused on building a secure and prosperous Edo.

“Our administration is fully committed to the welfare and well-being of all citizens. Security remains the bedrock of any thriving society, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that lives and property are protected across Edo State,” he stated.

He urged citizens to reflect on the values of Eid al-Adha — unity, love, sacrifice, and peace — and to continue to uphold the shared values that promote harmony across religious and ethnic lines.

READ ALSO: Okpebholo Prioritises Security, Workers Welfare, Says Idahosa

“As we celebrate, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to building a society that is inclusive, tolerant, peaceful, and respectful of all cultures and faiths. Let us extend hands of support to the less privileged, sharing and giving to make the season meaningful for all,” the governor added.

Okpebholo also appealed to parents to preach peace to their children and discourage them from engaging in cultism, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality.

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Benin, Alhaji Abdulfatai Enabulele, commended Governor Okpebholo for the developmental strides recorded in his first six months in office. He lauded the governor’s strategies in combating cultism, kidnapping, and criminal activities, noting that they have contributed significantly to the peace currently being enjoyed across the state.

Alhaji Enabulele also urged those involved in criminal activities to embrace more progressive ideas and support government efforts toward sustainable development.

READ ALSO: Killers Of Edo Realtor, Isibor, Won’t Go Scot-free, Idahosa Vows

He expressed gratitude to the governor for his benevolence and support to the Muslim community, which he said has made the Eid celebration more enjoyable.

He further advised that major routes into the state be better secured through the use of vigilante groups, and called on the government to ensure grassroots implementation of the five-point “Agada” plan for inclusive development.

Edesili Anani Okpebholo, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, described the celebration as a reminder of the importance of love and sacrifice. She urged citizens to make kindness and selflessness a daily habit, especially toward the less privileged.

Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, praised Governor Okpebholo for his leadership, fairness, and commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy.

READ ALSO: Killers Of Edo Realtor, Isibor, Won’t Go Scot-free, Idahosa Vows

“The governor is a man of vision, focused on project-based leadership that aims to improve the lives of our people,” he said.

The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, also acknowledged the contributions of the Muslim community in fostering peace and supporting the government’s efforts.

He assured that the Okpebholo-led administration would continue on its path of visible and impactful development.

“In just six months, the governor has demonstrated a practical and people-focused approach to governance. The projects so far embarked upon directly impact the lives of citizens, and there’s more to come,” Ohonbamu noted.

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

He made this known during an official announcement on Friday at the Government House in Uyo, the state capital.

The governor said the decision followed “three months of wide consultation” with critical stakeholders across the state.

READ ALSO: Governor Eno Endorsed For Second Term As He Doubles Ward PAs’ Salary To N500,000

Eno expressed his gratitude to the PDP for their support during his tenure, stating that it was time for him to make a progressive move.

The governor said he decided to join the APC, citing his admiration for President Bola Tinubu and the need for Akwa Ibom State to align with the federal government to reap continuous benefits.

Eno also assured the people of Akwa Ibom State that he would continue to work tirelessly for their benefit, regardless of party affiliation.

He said, “After completing the rounds of my consultation as your servant whom you have elected to serve, I have therefore decided to progressively move to the APC.

READ ALSO: Governor Eno Endorsed For Second Term As He Doubles Ward PAs’ Salary To N500,000

”We’re joining the APC today in the state interest and because of our critical admiration and respect for President Tinubu and to provide the needed support for Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

”We are not joing the APC from the position of weakness but from the position of strength and alive. We are joining the APC out of a need to align our state with the center.”

Some of the APC Governors who attended the event included the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) and Bassey Otu (Cross River), among others.

Group known as Ijaw People’s Development Initiative, IPDI, has urged the public to disregard the reports making the rounds that there’s an existing rift between the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro and Amayanabo of Ochochri kingdom in Rivers State, HRM Ateke Tom.

Recall, some unverified online media platforms reprted that the Amayanabo of Ochochri Kingdom, HRM Ateke Tom had a serious confrontation with the PAP boss, Otuaro during his (Ateke) birthday ceremony.

But in a statement, president of the group, Comrade Austin Ozobo said Otuaro didn’t face any confrontation from the Amayanabo, saying that both leaders had a good times during the birthday ceremony.

Ozobo maintained that Otuaro has been doing an exceptional job in managing the programme and ensuring that the objectives of peace and development in the Niger Delta region are achieved.

READ ALSO: Amnesty Boss, Otuaro, Pledges Inclusive Programme For Niger Delta Communities

He added that Otuaro was working hard to ensure the stipends of ex-agitators are increased, and impacted communities are considered for the programme.

The group urged the general public to disregard such unverified reports and focus on the positive impacts Otuaro is making in the Niger Delta region through the PAP, noting the importance to support Otuaro in his efforts to bring about lasting peace and development in the region.

Ozobo appealed to leaders, stakeholders and ex-agitators not to allow those he referred to as the enemies of the Niger Delta to create divisions and hinder the progress that was being made by Otuaro.

Ozobo added, “Rumors of a rift between Otuaro and Ateke Tom, a prominent ex-agitator and a traditional ruler, are baseless and unfounded. These rumors are being spread by people with malicious intentions who are trying to create a rift between the two leaders. Otuaro and Ateke Tom have a cordial relationship and have been working together towards the development of the Niger Delta.”

The group further emphasised, “Otuaro’s performance as the administrator of PAP has been unbeatable. Under his leadership, the programme has been able to successfully reintegrate ex-agitators into society, providing them with education and vocational training, and empowering them to become self-sufficient.

READ ALSO: King Ateke Breaks Silence On Rumoured Clash With PAP Boss, Otuaro

“This has contributed to the reduction of crime and violence in the region, leading to a more peaceful and stable environment for economic growth and development.

“Unfortunately, there are enemies of the Niger Delta who are not happy with the progress being made under Otuaro’s leadership. These enemies are trying to manipulate him to serve their own selfish interests, and when he refused to comply, they resorted to fabricating false reports about a rift with Ateke Tom.

“It is important to disregard these reports and focus on the positive impact that Otuaro and the PAP are making in the Niger Delta region. It is also important to support Otuaro in his efforts to bring about lasting peace and development in the region. 

“Let us not allow the enemies of the Niger Delta to create divisions and hinder the progress that is being made” Ozobo said.