Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, on Friday lifted the suspension imposed on the state security outfit otherwise known as “Edo State Security Network” (ESN).
The governor, according to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Fred Itua, renamed it Edo State Security Corps.
Okpebholo said the decision was informed by his administration’s resolved to fortify security architecture in the state
The Eagle Online recalled that the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun had on September 11, 2024, during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, ahead of the election announced the ban of the state-owned security outfit from participating in the election.
The stakeholders meeting was organised for political parties, governorship candidates, security agencies among others by the commission.
According to the Inspector General of Police, election security is the sole responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force, who will be assisted by other sister agencies within the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
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It was observed that the security personnel, after the election, are yet to resume for duty as there was no official pronouncement unbanning it.
“However, with the successful conduct of the gubernatorial election, the Edo State Government has deemed it necessary to reinstate the security outfit.
“This move aims to bolster the state’s security apparatus and ensure the safety of its citizens,” the statement on Friday read.
It added, “As part of the reinstatement process, all returning officers are required to report to the office of the State Commander or their respective zonal offices (North, Central, South) of the Corps.
“This directive aims to ensure a seamless transition and the effective deployment of the Security Corps.
“Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikilor, in a statement, emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.”
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