Edo Govt Challenges IGP On Suspension Of State Security Outfit From Election Duties

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Government has said that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun lacks constitutional power to suspend the state owned  security outfit codenamed “Edo State Security Network (ESSN) from participating in next week governorship election.

The Inspector-General of Police had on Wednesday in Benin during an INEC’s stakeholders’ meeting ahead of the September 21st Edo State governorship election announced the suspension of the security outfit indefinitely.

Reacting to the pronouncement, Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser on Media to Obaseki, noted that the Security Corps, is a creation of the Edo State House of Assembly.

The Edo State government insists that the ESCN is a body set up by law passed by the Edo State House of Assembly.

“This is tantamount to the IGP disbanding the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Operation Amotekun, ahead of the governorship election in Ondo State billed for next month.

“Government notes that it is unconstitutional for the IGP to make such a declaration since Sec 11 (1), Sec 11 (2) empowers the State House of Assembly to set up structures for public safety and security of the state.”

He, however, added that in the interest of peace, the State Governor has directed all the officials of the ESCN to proceed on leave from September 11 to September 23, 2024, after the election.