Okpebholo urges govs to tackle insecurity

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The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has urged Nigeria’s 36 state governors to take greater responsibility for tackling insecurity in their respective states, saying President Bola Tinubu cannot be solely blamed for the country’s security challenges.

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This was disclosed in a statement titled “Okpebholo urges governors to take charge of security in their states, says Tinubu critics are Nigeria’s enemies”, and signed by the Edo Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, on Tuesday.

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Okpebholo made the call during an All Progressives Congress stakeholders’ interactive session held at Okaijesan Town Hall in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area.

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The governor said addressing insecurity required a collective effort from all levels of government, noting that the President could not be physically present across the country at the same time.

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“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cannot come to Edo or visit all the states at the same time because he is just one person. If I protect Edo State and every other governor protects their states, insecurity will become a thing of the past,” he said.

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Okpebholo described those blaming the President alone for insecurity as unfair, arguing that such critics ignored the constitutional responsibilities of state governments.

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He also criticised opposition politicians who had previously served as governors or vice president for attacking the current administration over insecurity, questioning what they did to address similar security challenges while in office.

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“Many governors are working hard to solve security challenges across the nation. Governors should take charge of their various states and address the security situation. This is what is called sub-national responsibility, and it will help solve the problem,” he added.

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The governor maintained that greater commitment by state governments to protecting lives and property would significantly reduce insecurity across the country.

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