Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, has thrown his weight behind the Edo State Government’s proposal to impose the death penalty by firing squad on convicted kidnappers and bandits.
The former Edo State governor made the declaration during the launch of the All Progressives Congress (APC) local government election campaign for Edo North, held at the Public Field in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area.
Oshiomhole praised Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as efforts to restore law and order in the state, insisting that only criminals should be worried about the current administration.
He said, “I fully support the governor’s declaration. In our federation, every state has the constitutional right to enact laws prescribing punishment for state offences. Therefore, kidnappers and bandits should face death by firing squad.”
The senator also renewed his call for the establishment of state police, arguing that decentralised policing would strengthen efforts to combat insecurity across the country.
Speaking at the event, Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of Edo residents through extensive development projects.
According to him, the government has embarked on several infrastructure initiatives, including the construction and rehabilitation of roads, schools, markets and other public facilities.
“This administration has delivered projects that were absent in the past. We are committed to transforming Edo State through massive infrastructure development,” the governor said.
Okpebholo also applauded President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, noting that the policy had significantly increased allocations to state governments.
He explained that the additional revenue was being channelled into road construction, education and other critical infrastructure projects across Edo State.
The governor further described the APC campaign as an opportunity to formally present the party’s local government candidates to the electorate and urged party members to work towards securing 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
He also hailed the rehabilitation of the Auchi–Ekpoma–Benin Road as one of the notable achievements of the Tinubu administration and encouraged APC supporters to intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of the forthcoming local government elections.