Oshiomhole who, assured of the support of the Inspector General of police (IGP) on areas of mutual collaboration disclosed this at a town hall meeting on security and proposed sale of Edo house on Monday in Benin City.
The Governor said he initially supported the abolition of checkpoints, but for the disturbing security challenges called for re-evaluations of his government’s decision.
“ Unfortunately, from current security reports, a free high-way is not only free for free people, the high-way is also free for other road users, this is to ensure balance of convenience’, he said.
He also pleaded with the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Benin branch to reverse its stand to deny suspected kidnappers of representation, following the recent abduction of a High court Judge in the State.
According to him, the decision of NBA prohibiting its members from defending suspected kidnappers in courts may constitute clog in the wheel of progress in giving the legal framework that would enhance effective implementation of the anti kidnapping bill he signed into law recently.
He bemoaned the absence of strong ethical and moral values, noting however those from intelligence reports before him, public demonstrations against kidnappings, especially by members of professional groups have never affected the judgment of the kidnappers in favour of their victims from collecting ransom.
He also said the plan to trade-off disputed “Edo house’’ at Victoria Island, Lagos State is irreversible, explaining that the property was yet to be sold, adding that government has no business in managing “real estate’’ from experience.
Continuing, he said it would require over N500 million to refurbish the “moribund property’’, whose proceeds is sufficient enough to build the proposed five Star hotel in Benin City, saying that “I will never sell Edo asset to myself or to my agents.
Prominent among the traditional rulers including the prime Minister of Benin kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, the Iyase of Benin kingdom, Chief Stanley Omoregie Obamwonyi, the Esere of Benin kingdom and Crown prince Eheneden Erediauwa backed the proposed sale of Edo house.
Erediauwa noted that the Governor’s decision to subject the proposal to public debate reflect transparency hence is of collective interest of the State and urged the governor to put the proceed realised from the sale of the property to judicious use.
“My presence here with all humility representing His royal Majesty is in support of sale of Edo house in Lagos State’’, he said.
Source: Peoples Daily
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