Why Okpebholo Ordered Security Personnel Transfer After Denying Supporters Access To Govt House

The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has condemned security operatives at the state house in Benin for denying his supporters access to the venue of his Supreme Court victory celebrations on Friday, stating that such action does not reflect his values.

Naijaonpoint reports that Okpehbolo’s supporters which included market women and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had gathered at the Benin Airport at about 7 a.m. to welcome the governor on Friday.

Okpebholo’s flight landed at about 12:40 p.m., and the supporters, many of whom were not mobile, proceeded on foot in a road procession with the governor’s motorcade, chanting solidarity songs.

The procession, which lasted about an hour, terminated at the government house, where security operatives informed the supporters that only ‘Very Important Personalities’ would be allowed into the venue for refreshments.

The development infuriated the supporters, who lamented that they were not treated well.

Reacting to the development, Okpebholo, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, ordered the redeployment of security personnel, including the Camp Commandant, who were on duty at the government house during the incident.

Okpebholo said the exclusion of guests and supporters was not only unauthorised but also in contradiction of the spirit of the celebration.

He stated that he remained a people-focused and accessible leader who holds the media and his supporters in the highest regard, adding that he has constituted an investigative committee to identify all those involved in the incident.

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.”