The Edo State judiciary and legal practitioners have officially pledged their full support for Governor Monday Okpebholo's ongoing campaign against cultism and kidnapping in the state. This unified stance was demonstrated during a strategic meeting held at the Government House in Benin City on Tuesday.
During the meeting, Governor Okpebholo emphasized the critical importance of collaboration between the executive and judiciary branches, describing their current relationship as "very cordial." He expressed gratitude for the judiciary's responsiveness and prompt legal advice, which has been instrumental in advancing his administration's security initiatives.
"We must bring these crimes down to the barest minimum so we can feel safe again, our children can invest here, and their investments will be protected," the governor stated, highlighting how insecurity threatens the state's economic development prospects.
The governor's anti-crime campaign has recently gained momentum through significant legislative reforms, including the enactment of the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law 2025 and the Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law 2025. These new legal frameworks impose stringent penalties for cult-related activities and kidnapping, including mandatory jail terms and the death penalty for severe cases.
State Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, briefed the governor on staffing challenges facing the judiciary, noting that many professionals have sought opportunities abroad, creating a human resource gap. In response, Governor Okpebholo pledged his administration's support to address these institutional needs, recognizing that an adequately staffed judiciary is essential for effective prosecution of insecurity-related cases.
The governor committed to recruiting additional judicial staff to strengthen the state's justice system, demonstrating his administration's holistic approach to tackling insecurity through both legislative and institutional reforms.
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