Okpebholo to Governors: Take Responsibility for Security, Stop Blaming Tinubu

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has called on Nigeria’s 36 state governors to play a more active role in addressing insecurity, insisting that President Bola Tinubu should not bear sole responsibility for the country’s security challenges.

The governor made the remarks during an interactive session with stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at Okaijesan Town Hall in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Patrick Ebojele, Okpebholo said tackling insecurity requires coordinated efforts across all levels of government.

He argued that the President cannot be physically present in every state and urged governors to strengthen security measures within their jurisdictions.

“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.

Okpebholo described criticism directed solely at the President over insecurity as misplaced, stressing that state governments also have constitutional responsibilities in safeguarding lives and property.

He further criticised opposition figures who previously held public office, including former governors and a former vice president, for condemning the current administration’s handling of insecurity.

According to him, state governments must embrace what he described as sub-national responsibility to effectively tackle security threats nationwide.

The governor added that stronger commitment by governors to securing their states would significantly reduce insecurity across the country.