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.