The Edo House of Assembly on Thursday faulted the move by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to ban the Edo State Security Network, ESSN, from polling units in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
The Majority Leader of the House, Charity Aiguobarueghian, who addressed journalists in Benin on Thursday said that the security network was established in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
Aiguobarueghian told newsmen in Benin that the security network would continue to protect the people regardless of the IGP’s pronouncement.
According to report the IGP had on Wednesday ordered the suspension of the activities of the security network till further notice.
The move, according to the IGP was to ensure transparency in the September 21 gubernatorial election.
Egbetokun, who warned the security network to stay off the polls, said the mandate to secure the election rested solely on the Police.
But Aiguobarueghian told reporters that only a court of law can order the suspension of the Edo security network.
Aiguobarueghian emphasised the importance of ESSN in the provision of security and helping to secure lives and property, especially in the rural areas of the state.
“The Edo State House of Assembly, pursuant to its function and powers as enshrined in Section 4 of the Constitution as amended, had the powers to legislate on maintenance of peace and order in the state.
“Edo State is among the 23 out of 36 states with an internal community police network established to provide security and order,” he said.
