Gov Okpebholo lifts ban on Edo Security Corps

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Friday lifted the suspension imposed on the State Security Corps otherwise known as “Edo State Security Network” (ESN) in September, 2024.

The governor who made the disclosure through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Fred Itua, said the decision was informed by his administration’s resolved to fortify security architecture in the state

In a move to fortify the security architecture of Edo State, the government has lifted the suspension imposed on the Edo State Security Corps in September 2024.

According to the statement, Okpebholo’s decision marks a comprehensive shift in the state’s quest for enhanced safety and security.

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Recall that the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun prior to the conduct of the September 21 Governorship Election in Edo State initiated the ESN suspension.

Egbetokun’s decision was hinged 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).

“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.

“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.

“This directive aims to ensure a seamless transition and the effective deployment of the Security Corps.

“Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Musa Ikilor, in a statement, emphasized government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens”, the statement concluded.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE