BY BERNADETTE IDALU
BENIN CITY – Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, on Tuesday, pledged stronger collaboration between the state government and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, in the ongoing efforts to curb crime and uphold justice across the state.
Addressing a delegation of the NBA, Benin Branch, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Benin City, Idahosa reaffirmed the administration’s determination to eliminate criminal elements threatening peace and public safety.
He said that the government, under the leadership of Governor Monday
Okpebholo, inherited a state overwhelmed by kidnapping, cult-related violence, and other forms of insecurity, but had since taken decisive action to address the crisis.
“A lot of things were happening in the state. It was a plague,” Idahosa remarked.
“To the glory of God and with your support, we have made significant progress in reducing crime in Edo State.”
He urged the legal community to deepen its support for the administration’s crime-fighting strategies, emphasising that the lawyers’ expertise and advocacy are vital to enhancing the rule of law and ensuring justice for all.
He added that their request for a utility vehicle to aid official duties would be communicated to the governor.
Responding on behalf of the NBA, the Chairman of the Benin Bar, Idemudia Iredia Osifo, SAN, congratulated the governor and his deputy on their assumption of office and praised the administration’s promptness in addressing critical issues within the judiciary.
He noted that the swearing-in of three judges who were previously sidelined by the past administration signals a strong commitment to restoring judicial integrity in the state.
Osifo also commended the government’s proactive stance on crime and stressed the importance of due process and thorough investigations.
He expressed the Bar’s readiness to partner with the state government in maintaining law and order, stating, “Our support for the fight against crime has never waned, and we are committed to helping this administration succeed.”
