All Progressives Congress chieftain in Edo State, Julius Olele, has defended Governor Monday Okpebholo’s performance, pointing to improvements in security, road development and public confidence as notable areas of progress under his administration.
Olele, who served on the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Edo, said the governor had shown commitment to addressing the state’s challenges through infrastructure projects and closer engagement with security agencies.
He made the assessment during an interview ahead of Okpebholo’s second anniversary in office on Thursday, November 12.
According to him, the state had previously struggled with criminal activities that affected residents’ daily lives, business operations and the willingness of Edo indigenes abroad to visit their communities.
“Before this administration came into office, kidnapping, cult-related violence and other criminal activities had become major concerns for residents. These problems affected businesses, restricted movement and discouraged many Edo indigenes in the diaspora from returning home.
“Governor Monday Okpebholo has made security a major priority through stronger collaboration with security agencies, community-based security initiatives and tougher measures against criminal activities.
“While security remains an ongoing responsibility, there is a renewed determination to make Edo safer for everyone,” he said.
On infrastructure, Olele pointed to major road construction projects, including the Ramat Park and Adesuwa flyovers in Benin City, as evidence of the administration’s efforts to improve transportation and public infrastructure.
He also noted that development activities were being extended to communities outside Benin City, rather than concentrating projects in the state capital.
The APC chieftain said the administration had also made efforts to reconnect residents with government through visible projects and greater accessibility.
However, he admitted that the completion of outstanding road projects remained a major task for the government.
He urged the administration to ensure that ongoing projects were completed without compromising construction standards, despite delays caused by the rainy season.
Olele expressed optimism about the state’s development prospects, urging residents to give the governor more time to implement his plans.