Critics Trying to Distract My Administration, Says Okpebholo

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has raised the alarm that some critics are making concerted efforts to distract his administration and drag the state backwards.

InfoStride News reports that the governor spoke during an interdenominational prayer service held at his residence in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of the state.

Okpebholo also sought divine intervention for the success of his administration, noting that sustained prayers are critical to the successful delivery of the government’s electioneering promises.

He called on Nigerians to continue to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration, assuring that the federal and state governments are collaborating with relevant security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property across the country.

According to the governor, consistent prayers and effective collaboration with security agencies have led to significant improvement in the security situation in Edo State, with a drastic reduction in kidnapping, cultism and other criminal activities.

“I want to assure you that our administration and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of lives and property of Nigerians and to make Edo State safer,” he said.

“The cultism and cult-related activities we saw yesterday, we shall see them no more. I request prayers for President Tinubu. This is a time he truly needs our prayers because he is doing so much for Nigeria, despite several criticisms against his government.

“The President is implementing far-reaching policies and economic reforms that will develop the nation,” Okpebholo added.

The governor further stated that his administration has put deliberate strategies in place to ensure sustained development and progress in the state.

He lamented that despite his government’s efforts to develop Edo State, some individuals are attempting to divert the administration’s attention and push the state towards retrogression.

Okpebholo, however, appealed to citizens to intensify prayers, urging them to ask God to frustrate the plans of those he described as enemies of the state.

“We need prayers for our land because without prayers, development will be difficult. Businesses will not thrive, and economic activities will suffer,” he said.

In his sermon, Reverend Francis Okhale urged the congregation to always give thanks to God, stressing that gratitude opens the door to the fulfilment of expectations.

Speaking on the sermon titled, ‘Crossing Over with Gratitude’, Okhale encouraged continued prayers for Governor Okpebholo, noting that the gathering was to thank God for the achievements recorded by the administration in the past year.

“We are here to honour God Almighty for what He is using Senator Monday Okpebholo to do for Edo people. We can see the impact of his administration, especially in infrastructural development such as flyovers, schools, hospitals and other critical projects,” he said.