'Blaming Tinubu Alone Is Unfair' — Okpebholo Urges Governors to Take Charge of State Security

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has called on governors across Nigeria's 36 states to take greater responsibility for security within their jurisdictions, arguing that the country's security challenges cannot be resolved by the Federal Government alone.

The governor said while President Bola Tinubu remains committed to addressing insecurity nationwide, lasting peace will depend on stronger leadership and coordinated action by state governments, which are closer to the people and better positioned to respond to local threats.

Okpebholo made the remarks during an All Progressives Congress (APC) Stakeholders Interactive Session held at the Okaijesan Town Hall in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State.

He stressed that blaming the President alone for insecurity across the country overlooks the critical role governors are expected to play in supporting security agencies and coordinating local security efforts.

According to him, effective collaboration between the Federal Government and sub-national administrations remains essential to tackling the nation's security challenges.

The governor also took a swipe at opposition politicians seeking elective office, accusing some of them of criticizing President Tinubu over insecurity despite having previously held senior public offices without resolving similar challenges.

According to Okpebholo, some of those now aspiring to lead the country had served as vice president or governors but failed to deliver lasting solutions to insecurity during their time in office.

"The people who want to contest the presidential election under other opposition political parties are criticizing the President over security challenges. But many of them have served as Vice President and governors before. What did they do for their states and the nation while they were in office?" he asked.

Okpebholo maintained that it was unrealistic to expect the President to personally oversee security operations in every state, insisting that governors must take ownership of security within their domains.

"President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cannot be in Edo State or every other state at the same time because he is just one man. If I protect Edo State and every other governor takes responsibility for securing their own state, insecurity will significantly reduce," he said.

He added that those who place sole responsibility for the country's security challenges on the President "are not being fair to him."

The governor acknowledged the efforts of some state governments to strengthen security and urged all governors to deepen collaboration with security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to safeguard lives and property.

He expressed confidence that greater commitment by state governments would strengthen Nigeria's security architecture and accelerate efforts to restore lasting peace across the country.

"Security is a shared responsibility. Stronger cooperation between the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies and local communities is essential if Nigeria is to effectively overcome its security challenges," he said.