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Edo Government Rejects IGP’s Suspension of State Security Network
The Edo State Government has expressed disagreement with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, regarding the recent suspension of the state-owned security outfit, known as the Edo State Security Network (ESSN).
The suspension was announced by the IGP during a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday, ahead of the upcoming governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024, in Benin City.
During the meeting, the IGP stated that the security network would be suspended indefinitely, sparking a strong reaction from the Edo State Government.
Crusoe Osagie, the Special Adviser on Media Projects to Governor Godwin Obaseki, voiced the state’s opposition, asserting that the IGP lacks the constitutional authority to suspend the Edo Security Corps (ESC).
He emphasized that the ESC was established through legislation passed by the Edo State House of Assembly, making it a lawful entity under state jurisdiction.
Osagie compared the suspension of the ESSN to a hypothetical scenario where the IGP might disband the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Operation Amotekun, ahead of the Ondo State governorship election.
He highlighted that such actions infringe upon the rights of states to establish security structures, as enshrined in Section 11(1) and Section 11(2) of the Nigerian Constitution.
These sections grant state assemblies the power to create and maintain organizations aimed at ensuring public safety and security within their borders.
Despite the disagreement, Osagie noted that in the interest of maintaining peace during the election period, Governor Obaseki had instructed all officials of the Edo Security Corps to go on leave from September 11 to September 23, 2024.
This temporary measure aims to prevent any escalation of tensions while ensuring that the election proceeds smoothly.
The standoff between the Edo State Government and the IGP highlights the ongoing debate over state versus federal control of security agencies, particularly in the lead-up to critical elections.
With the election just around the corner, the resolution of this issue will be closely watched by political observers and citizens alike.
Nigerian news analyst, Mahmud Jega, has shared his opinion on the recent airstrike carried out by the United States in Nigeria, stating that Nigerians should not blame President Bola Tinubu for the incident.
Jega made this statement during a recent interview, where he said he does not believe many people will hold the Tinubu administration responsible, as Donald Trump had issued threats against Nigeria long before Tinubu’s administration.
“No, I don’t think many people will blame the Tinubu administration for what is happening now because President Donald Trump, when he first made the threats, it was clearly not in coordination with the Tinubu administration or the government of Nigeria,” Jega said.
It has been reported that the United States carried out an airstrike targeting ISIS in the northwest region of Nigeria. The order was reportedly given by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist elements in northwest Nigeria,” Trump said.
He added, “I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.”
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially declared the holiday dates for the festive season.
Thursday, December 25 will be observed as Christmas Day, December 26 as Boxing Day, and Thursday, January 1 as New Year’s Day.
The declaration was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani. He also added that Nigerians should celebrate the holidays in faith and pray for the nation.
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