The Edo State Government has expressed strong disagreement with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over his decision to suspend the Edo State Security Network (ESSN). The IGP announced the suspension of the ESSN indefinitely at a recent Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) meeting ahead of the state’s governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024.
Crusoe Osagie, the Special Adviser on Media Projects to Governor Godwin Obaseki, argued that the IGP lacks the constitutional authority to suspend the state-owned security outfit, as it was established by the Edo State House of Assembly. He likened the situation to the IGP disbanding the Western Nigeria Security Network, or Operation Amotekun, before a similar election in Ondo State.
Despite the disagreement, Governor Obaseki has instructed that all ESSN officials go on leave from September 11 to September 23, 2024, to maintain peace during the election period.
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