By Mick Oseji Asaba
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has condemned security operatives at the state house in Benin City for denying his supporters access to the venue of his Supreme Court victory celebrations on Friday.
Okpebholo, who ordered the redeployment of security personnel on duty at the government house during the incident, said the state would investigate it to ascertain the role played by the affected security agents, including camp commandant.
He said the action did not sync with with his person and values, stressing that he remained a people-oriented and accessible leader who holds the media and his supporters in the highest regard.
The Daily Crucible reports that a procession comprising the governor’s supporters, market women and All Progressives Congress(APC) members had marched to the government house for the celebration of the Supreme Court verdict which validated the victory of Okpebjolo at the poll November, 2024 but the jubilant supporters were told by security operatives that only Very Important Personalities would be allowed into the venue for entertainments.
The unfortunate development angered the supporters, who lamented that they were ill – treated.
However, responding to the incident, Okpebholo, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said the exclusion of invited guests and supporters was not his decision.
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The statement added, “This decision did not originate from me, nor does it reflect my values. I will never knowingly authorise any action that disrespects our supporters or members of the press. As a governor elected by the people, I remain committed to openness, inclusion, and respect for every stakeholder.
“This administration is committed to fostering an atmosphere of unity and transparency, and I assure all supporters and stakeholders of their valued place in the journey to rebuild and reposition Edo State.”
“For this, I am ordering the immediate redeployment of security personnel, including the Camp Commandant, who were on duty at the government house in Benin on the day of the incident.”
