“Okpebholo’s Endless Blame Game Over Failure in Managing Rising Insecurity is Shameful, Disappointing” – Aziegbemi

By The9jaTREND

The Caretaker Committee of the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it is shameful and utterly disappointing that Senator Monday Okpebholo has continued to play the blame game with respect to his total failure in handling the primary responsibility of government, which is protecting the lives and property of the people of the State.

In a press statement signed by Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman Caretaker Committee and made available to newsmen stated that Edo has degenerated into a lawless State since he took office. The people of Edo State are under siege. In the past three weeks alone, at least 35 innocent Edo citizens have been brutally killed, including Batemue Philip Ebo, Christopher Bello, and Victor Ogedengbe, whose lives were tragically cut short by militant groups and killer herdsmen who have overrun various communities in the State. Several others have sustained various degrees of injuries, and properties worth millions of naira have been destroyed.

The statement added, ‘From Edo South to Edo Central to Edo North, killings and violent attacks have become rampant. The State, which was repositioned as one of Nigeria’s safest places to live and do business during the Godwin Obaseki government, has now become so unsafe, gaining a notorious reputation as the capital of kidnapping and violent crimes in the country.

“Yet, all Okpebholo can come up with as the Chief Security Officer of the State, are lame excuses, blaming the opposition for his incompetence, cluelessness, and failure to effectively manage the worsening insecurity in the State, which has continued to claim the lives of innocent citizens almost daily.

“We want to place it on record that the PDP has no involvement in the security challenges facing the State. Instead of wasting time and taxpayers’ money issuing meaningless statements and blaming the opposition for his incompetence, Okpebholo should roll up his sleeves, get to work, and fulfill the most fundamental responsibility of his office as governor.

“He must take deliberate steps to reorganize the State’s security architecture, which was effective and efficient during the Obaseki administration, and rein in his thugs and gang of criminal enforcers who are on a free-for-all in the State so as to put an end to the reign of terror.

“If he is truly serious about governance and protecting the lives of the people of the State, he must stop the blame game and put to good use his monthly withdrawal of N750m security vote.

“Obaseki handed to him a very stable government and secure State over four months ago. It is, therefore, irresponsible for Okpebholo to still be looking backward, trying to blame Obaseki for his own incompetence, cluelessness, and failure in government.”

Going further, Aziegbemi added, “Again, we urge Okpebholo to humble himself and seek help from Obaseki, who has demonstrated nuanced leadership, coordination, and strategy for securing the State. We are confident that Obaseki, in his commitment to the safety and well-being of Edo people, will be willing to provide advisory support if consulted.”