says peace to be restored in Okpella, commends citizens, residents for maintaining peace during election
By Violet Osatohanmwen Obamwonyi
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commended citizens and residents in the State for maintaining peace and order during the just concluded gubernatorial election, despite outcome.
During the monthly Security Council meeting convened to assess security situation across the State, the Governor revealed that security plans are in place for the ’ember’ months, to minimize cases of accidents and other crimes associated with the festive period, adding that the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Nemi Edwin-Iwo, has assured of appropriate measures to ensure the restoration of peace in Okpella, at the Edo North axis of the State.
Obaseki, while expressing concern over the issue of unauthorized revenue collection in the State, reiterated that the law must be respected, emphasizing that anyone acting contrary to the established laws and regulations will be dealt with accordingly.
The Governor who stressed that the directive of the Inspector General of Police only suspended the activities of members of the State Security/Vigilante Network during the election, emphasized that with the election now concluded, the vigilante corps will resume their activities in line with the law.
According to Obaseki, “The Council expressed thanks to the people of Edo State for an election in which no lives were recorded lost, despite the outcome. We looked at other issues relating to security in the state, specifically cult-related activities and the arrests that have taken place, and frowned at the issue of some elements going into conflict with the established structure for revenue collection in the state, although this has been resolved.
“The law must be respected. Law and order must prevail in Edo State and anyone who goes counter to the established laws and regulations as enacted in the State, would be dealt with appropriately.
“We reviewed the issue of preparation for the ember months; the relevant agencies would be coming up with their plans and activities to reduce the number of accidents in the last quarter of this year.
“The Commissioner of Police has assured the Council that appropriate actions would be taken to make sure that peace is restored to Okpella, and whatever the issues there, it would be amicably resolved.”
He added: “The issue of drugs and drug abuse was also reviewed. The report revealed that a lot of underage children and women, sometimes pregnant women, are involved in the peddling and sales of drugs, sometimes hard drugs. The relevant agencies are going to be working with the government to step up publicity and enlightenment in order to reduce this scourge.”
Speaking on the resumption of activities by the State Vigilante Network, Obaseki stated: “The IG was clear; people who are not part of the national security structure cannot take part in elections. He did not prohibit the activities of the vigilante corps. Now that the election is over, they would resume their beats according to the law.”
Also in attendance were: Edo State Deputy Governor, Engr. Godwin Omobayo; Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Osaigbovo Iyoha; Edo State Commissioner of Police, Nemi Edwin-Iwo, amongst other heads of security agencies.
