As part of his new administration’s efforts to restore peace and security to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, has issued a strong directive to the Commissioner of Police to end violent cult clashes in the state within 48 hours,
The Governor, who spoke on Thursday, emphasized that the ongoing violence, particularly in Benin City, must come to an immediate halt.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua in a statement quoted Okpebholo to have ordered law enforcement agencies to take swift action against the cult groups involved in the deadly clashes that have plagued the state in recent weeks.
In addition to the crackdown on cultism, Governor Okpebholo also announced the banning of two associations – the Drivers Welfare Association and Network Empowerment – which he accused of fostering criminal activities and contributing to the unrest in Edo. Both organizations, particularly in Benin City, have been linked to violent confrontations and the exploitation of local communities.
“I have given the Commissioner of Police a clear directive: the madness must stop within 48 hours. All those involved in the killings and the violence must be apprehended,” the Governor said in a statement. He further directed that the police enforce the ban on the problematic associations, warning that they will no longer be allowed to operate in the state.
The Governor’s measures follow his decision on Wednesday to suspend the collection of all revenues across Edo S

Edo State Government has dismissed recent claims by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration terminated civil servants’ appointments following his inauguration.
The government described the allegations as a misrepresentation and a ‘joke taken too far,’ attributing the PDP’s statement to their struggle to recover from a heavy electoral defeat on September 21.

According to a statement from the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo has been focused on repairing what he called the “mess” left by the previous administration under former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Itua emphasized that the dismissals mentioned in the PDP’s statement did not involve civil servants but rather political appointees from Obaseki’s administration.

“It is unheard of for a governor to dismiss civil servants through a media announcement,” Itua clarified.
“Those asked to vacate their positions were appointees from the last administration, not career civil servants.”

The statement also criticized the PDP faction for what it called a lack of awareness and “idle accusations.” It reassured current civil servants that they would not be affected by recent changes and reiterated the government’s commitment to following due process and the rule of law for any actions taken against political appointees from the previous administration.

The response the statement indicated is to dispel any misinformation about his administration’s early decisions, as he has hit the ground running with plans to address challenges in the state’s governance and infrastructure left by the outgoing administration.

The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has indicated that his recent election victory was achieved through the “power in praises,” highlighting the role of faith, prayer, and the unwavering support of the Edo people.

Speaking at a Thanksgiving Service on Wednesday night at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo expressed profound gratitude to God and the people of Edo State.
His Chief Press Secretary Mr. Fred Itua in a statement in Thursday quoted him to have urged all Nigerians to trust God in every circumstance, attributing his triumph to divine grace rather than human efforts.
Recounting a striking incident that happened the morning after the election, Governor Okpebholo shared that he found a dead bat on his bed—an event he believes symbolized God’s protection over his journey. “While I was praising God, others were battling against me on television and social media,” he said. “But I stayed in prayer, took my battle to God, and emerged victorious.”
The Governor also thanked religious leaders and supporters who stood by him with unwavering faith. He advised, “Put your trust in God alone because, with Him, all things are possible.”

Governor Okpebholo further clarified that he did not seek support from native doctors or spiritual practitioners, relying solely on his faith and prayers.
The Thanksgiving event was attended by notable politicians, musicians, and clergymen, celebrating a victory that Governor Okpebholo believes was won through faith and the “power in praises.”