Often criticised for his seeming idolisation of President Bola Tinubu, an unrepentant Governor Monday Okpebholo said he would continue to sing the president’s praises because he has done well for the country and Edo State.
Speaking recently at the commissioning and handover of 10 brand new Toyota Hilux patrol vehicles to the Nigeria Police Force, Irrua Area Command to strengthen security operations in Edo Central Senatorial District, Okpebholo emphasised that the initiative was driven by concern for the safety and welfare of the people.
In a statement on Saturday signed by his chief press secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo appreciated Tinubu for his continued financial and developmental support to Edo State, noting that federal backing had been instrumental to the success of his administration.
According to him, “I want to say thank you to Mr. President who believes in Edo and continues to fund us because without us having money from the President, we cannot do anything.
“We will continue to sing his praises because he has done well for us. The economic reforms he has carried out really speak volumes in terms of the development of this country,”
The vehicles, which were officially received by the Area Commander recently, were part of the state government’s continued efforts to support security agencies in combating crime and ensuring the safety of residents.
The governor said: “It is not because we have bought vehicles for the police. It is because of the concern for our people in terms of security.”
“To me, it is painful that somebody will go out of his house, he may not come back because of evil people. So, what do we do? We must continue to fight them and chase them out of our land.”
He expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police for deploying the Mobile Police (MOPOL), 82 Squadron to Uromi, describing the move as “very dear” to the people of the region.
Okpebholo explained: “We cannot just leave them like that without equipment, without utility vehicles. How would they work? When they hear that something is happening at another location, how will they get there? That is the essence of acquiring these vehicles for them.”
The Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Jonathan Ibhamawu, the Area Commander, and the Vice Chairman of the police community relations committee, (PCRC) Edo Central, Shaka Momodu Williams all spoke in appreciation of the governor’s effort in not only security but all other sectors.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku; the State APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe; retired General Cecil Esekhaigbe, Edo Central Senatorial Leader; and Senator Joe Ikpea, among others.
The event concluded with a symbolic presentation of the vehicle keys to the police authorities, marking another step in the state government’s ongoing drive to improve security infrastructure across Edo Central.
