Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Edo State government has said that it has lifted the suspension earlier placed on the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) with a view to fortifying the security architecture of the State.
According to the statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua and made available to Journalists, said the decision marks a comprehensive shift in the state’s quest for enhanced safety and security.
He said the suspension, which was initiated by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Agbetokun, ahead of the September 21 2024 Gubernatorial Election, was based on the constitutional stipulation that election security is the sole responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force, assisted by other sister agencies within the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
Itua said however, with the successful conduct of the gubernatorial election, the Edo State Government has deemed it necessary to reinstate the Security Corps. This move aims to bolster the state’s security apparatus and ensure the safety of its citizens.
Itua added that as part of the reinstatement process, all returning officers are required to report to the office of the State Corps Commander or their respective zonal offices (North, Central, South) of the Corps.
He said this directive aims to ensure a seamless transition and the effective deployment of the Security Corps.