Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
As the Edo State governorship election approaches, the leading candidate for the September 21 poll, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, has reiterated his commitment to security as the cornerstone of his administration.
Speaking on Monday during a Live appearance on Arise Television, which was monitored by Truth Live News, Ighodalo highlighted his plans to transform the security landscape of Edo State.
“Our restructured manifestos show that security is our number one priority,” Ighodalo emphasized. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the constitutional structure, noting that while the governor is the chief security officer of the state, they do not directly command the security forces. “The Police report to the Inspector General, and the military reports to the Chief of Army Staff,” he explained.
Despite these limitations, Ighodalo believes that with effective collaboration, the existing security framework can be enhanced. He pointed out the role of the state security council, which includes key security stakeholders like the Commissioner of Police and the highest-ranking Army officer in the state. According to Ighodalo, the governor chairs this committee, and it has worked effectively in many states.
Ighodalo’s security strategy involves leveraging technology and resources to create a robust security architecture. “We will work through that organ and find resources to build a technologically empowered security structure in Edo State,” he stated. His administration plans to equip security personnel with the latest technology and provide advanced training, aiming to make them a first-class force capable of safeguarding the state from all entry points.
The candidate also drew attention to the success of security trust funds in other states, which have significantly reduced crime rates by pooling resources for security enhancements. He expressed confidence that a similar approach could yield positive results in Edo State.
“If we don’t get security right in Edo State or in Nigeria as a whole, many of the problems we face will persist,” Ighodalo warned, underscoring the importance of security as the foundation for progress in other areas.