We’ll not Be Intimidated into Negotiating with Criminals, Insists Obaseki

ASUU Laments Killing Colleague in Benin

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has insisted that his government could not be intimidated into negotiating with criminals as a condition for hoodlums to stop their criminal activities in the state.

This is as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Benin chapter, has condemned in strong terms, the killing of a senior lecturer of the university by gunmen, describing it as one death too many.

Also, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Edo State in a statement signed by it Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, alleged that high level of crime was occasioned by the "new policy thrust" of the state government which proscribed Community Development Associations that engaged “the boys.”

Responding to ASUU and the PDP, Obaseki assured that final touches were being put on a security architecture which would soon roll out and rein in criminals who he assured would have their days in court.

Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said that while there was no excuse for engaging in crime, the state had a better employment record than any of its peer states in the South-South region. "I think we should allow the police to carry out their constitutional responsibility. Many people have said that the governor is the chief security officer of the state; of course, he is.

"But you are aware that the Federal Government is solely responsible for the administration, management and operation of the police and all other security agencies in the country. The responsibility of ensuring law and order rests squarely in the security agencies, led by the police.

"And the police have made statement concerning the professor, that it is cult-related and they have three people in custody. So, I think that should be the narrative, instead of trying to put political colouration into it."

Besides, Governor Godwin Obaseki in a statement has said that the state will not be forced by criminal elements and organised crime overlords to the negotiation table, stressing that law and order, as well as the liberty of the ordinary law-abiding Edo citizens and residents, were not for sale.

Obaseki called on the people to remain calm but vigilant, noting that an elaborate scheme was being finalised to rein in the orchestrators of the recent violence, bring them to justice and restore sustainable peace and safety in the state.