Edo State Government Disputes Inspector General of Police’s Suspension of Security Outfit
The Edo State Government has expressed disagreement with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over the suspension of the State-owned security outfit, Edo State Security Network (ESSN). The IGP announced the suspension during a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Benin City.
Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser on Media Project to the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, argued that the IGP has no constitutional power to suspend the Edo Security Corps, as it is a creation of the Edo State House of Assembly. According to Osagie, the IGP’s announcement is unconstitutional, as Section 11 (1) and Section 11 (2) of the constitution empower the State House of Assembly to set up structures for public safety and security.
Osagie drew a parallel between the IGP’s decision and the disbandment of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Operation Amotekun, ahead of the governorship election in Ondo State. He emphasized that the IGP’s declaration is a violation of the constitution and a threat to the security of the state.
In the interest of peace, the State Governor has directed all officials of the ESC to proceed on leave from September 11 to September 23, 2024, after the election. The Edo State Government maintains that the ESC is a body set up by law passed by the Edo State House of Assembly and that the IGP has no authority to suspend it.
The dispute between the Edo State Government and the IGP has raised concerns about the security situation in the state ahead of the governorship election. The Edo State Government’s insistence on the ESC’s legitimacy and the IGP’s suspension of the outfit have sparked a controversy that is likely to continue until the election is held.
