The Edo State Government, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, has strongly opposed the decision of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to indefinitely suspend the Edo State Security Network (ESSN). The suspension was announced during an INEC stakeholders’ meeting ahead of the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Benin City.
Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser on Media Projects to Governor Obaseki, criticized the IGP’s authority to make such a declaration, pointing out that the ESSN was established by the Edo State House of Assembly, which has constitutional power over local security matters. Osagie stated, “The Edo State government insists that the ESSN is a legally established entity under state law, and the IGP lacks the authority to suspend it.”
He compared the situation to a hypothetical suspension of the Western Nigeria Security Network (Operation Amotekun) in Ondo State, emphasizing that state assemblies are empowered under Sections 11(1) and 11(2) of the Nigerian Constitution to ensure public safety.
In the interest of maintaining peace, Governor Obaseki has directed ESSN officials to take leave from September 11 to September 23, 2024, allowing for a peaceful election process. The state government, however, remains firm in its stance that the IGP’s suspension of the security outfit is unconstitutional.
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