The Edo State Government has asserted that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, lacks the constitutional authority to suspend the Edo Security Corps, as it was established by the Edo State House of Assembly.
This statement follows the IGP’s announcement at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Stakeholder Meeting on Wednesday, September 11, that the security outfit had been suspended ahead of the September 21 governorship election in the state.
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In a statement, Crusoe Osagie, the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media, asserted “The Edo State government insists that the ESC 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.”
He added, however, that in the interest of maintaining peace in the state, Governor Godwin Obaseki has directed all officials of the Edo Security Corps to proceed on leave from Wednesday, September 11, until September 23, after the election.
“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 noted.
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