A group of concerned professionals, the Young Edo Professionals, has called for an urgent and thorough investigation into a controversial statement by Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in the forthcoming Edo State election.
The demand came after Okpebholo’s alarming declaration during a campaign rally, where he stated, “We are going to provide you with insecurity.”
The comment has since ignited outrage and concern among Edo residents, raising questions about the candidate’s true intentions for the state.
The Young Edo Professionals expressed serious concern, calling the comment more than a mere gaffe.
“We firmly believe that Okpebholo’s comment is a revealing slip that uncovers his true intentions for Edo State,” the group said.
They further suggested that the remark may indicate a plan to bring the same instability and insecurity seen in some APC-led states into Edo.
The group emphasized that the violence and criminal activities that have plagued other APC-governed states could be replicated in Edo if Okpebholo wins the governorship.
They cited a recent violent clash on Airport Road, Benin City, which resulted in the death of a police inspector, attributing it to APC-related activities.
The Young Edo Professionals also highlighted the increasing violence in APC states, arguing that Okpebholo’s remarks could signal similar destabilizing trends for Edo.
“His comment is not just an unfortunate slip; it reveals a deeper, concerning strategy,” the group stressed.
The group urged the Department of State Security (DSS) to initiate a thorough investigation into Okpebholo’s activities and affiliations.
“We are calling on the DSS to take Senator Okpebholo’s comments very seriously and to begin an immediate investigation into his plans for Edo State,” the statement reads.
They outlined specific demands, including an immediate investigation into Okpebholo’s activities, an assessment of security threats and preventive measures to forestall any untoward event, especially as election day draws nearer.
The Young Edo Professionals also called on Edo residents and political stakeholders to remain vigilant and support efforts to ensure peace in the lead-up to the governorship election.
“We must not allow our state to be plunged into the same chaos that has engulfed other states under APC leadership,” the group warned.
In a related development, the Edo South Business Forum has berated Okpebholo, after he vowed to continue the legacy of former governor Adams Oshiomhole if elected as state governor.
In a statement released recently, the forum described Oshiomhole’s tenure as “the worst in the history of Edo State.”
The forum accused Oshiomhole, who is now the senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, of leading without empathy, promoting thuggery, and failing to attract any meaningful investment to the state.
