By Victor Oshioke�
It is rather unfortunate that even in opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State refuses to acknowledge the damage it inflicted on state institutions during its eight years misadventurous reign. Worse still,�Mr. Chris Nehikhare, who served as Commissioner for Information under Godwin Obaseki’s repressive administration, has now decided to continue his lying for bread and butter even�outside government. This is evidenced by his latest deliberate attempt to distort Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s patriotic statement in the Nigerian Senate.
During plenary on Thursday 6th March 2025, Senator Oshiomhole, in his usual fearless approach, commended Governor Monday Okpebholo and security agencies for their remarkable progress in addressing security challenges in Edo State and across Nigeria. He acknowledged the reality that bandits and terrorists have indeed infiltrated and making life difficult in Edo, particularly in border communities in Edo South, Central, and North.�However, at no point did he suggest that the state government was overwhelmed or incapable of managing the crisis. Oshiomhole’s support for Senator Neda Imasuen’s motion was based on the need for increased collaboration to eradicate criminal elements, not an indictment of the Okpebholo administration.
The real issue here is that in just over 100 days in office, Governor Okpebholo has done more to tackle insecurity than Obaseki did in eight long years. Under Obaseki, cult wars raged unchecked, turning Edo’s streets into rivers of blood. Criminal gangs operated with impunity, while Obaseki focused more on political vendettas than governance. In contrast, Governor Okpebholo took decisive action from day one.
Upon assuming office, Okpebholo immediately engaged security agencies and equipped them with brand-new Toyota Hilux vehicles fitted with modern crime-fighting technology. He restructured the state’s vigilante corps, ensuring efficiency and accountability in community policing. Additionally, he initiated and secured legislative backing for tougher laws against kidnapping, including provisions for demolishing properties used in criminal activities. These are practical steps that have already started yielding results, making Edo safer than it has been in years.
Yet, rather than acknowledge these achievements, Chris Nehikhare and his PDP cohorts prefer to play politics with security—an issue that should concern any responsible political party, whether in government or opposition. What exactly does Nehikhare hope to gain by deliberately misrepresenting Oshiomhole’s statement? By falsely suggesting that the Edo government is overwhelmed, he sends a dangerous message to criminals, essentially inviting them to take advantage of a non-existent weakness.
Is it not clear that Nehikhare and the PDP are subtly encouraging insecurity in Edo simply because they lost power? Their reckless propaganda is not only dishonest but also exposes their desperation. Edo people are no fools; they can now see that their real enemies are the PDP and its remnants, who seem determined to destabilize the state for selfish political gains.
Edo voters made a bold choice when they rejected the PDP and elected Monday Okpebholo to fix the disaster left behind by Obaseki. No amount of lies, blackmail, or political mischief from Nehikhare and his accomplices will change that. The people of Edo will never trust the PDP again, and they stand firmly behind Okpebholo as he restores security, governance, and progress to the state.
Victor Oshioke
Chief of Staff to H.E
Senator Adams Aliyu Eric Oshiomhole
