By Chidi Roberts
Edo State House of Assembly, on Thursday, faulted the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over the suspension of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN).
The Majority Leader of the House, Charity Aiguobarueghian, 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.
The IGP had on Wednesday ordered the suspension of the activities of the security network till further notice.
Egbetokun, who warned the security network to stay off the governorship election, said the mandate to secure the election rested on the police.
Aiguobarueghian stressed that it was only the court of law that could order suspension, ban or void the Edo security network.
Aiguobarueghian emphasised the importance of ESSN in the provision of security and helping to secure lives and property, especially at the rural areas in the state .
The lawmaker also recalled how the local security network was of great help during the #ENDSARS protest in 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 internal community police network established to provide security and order.
”These functions and powers are clearly provided for by the constitution and cannot be challenged by anybody except through the courts, ” he said.
According to him, members of the network were not going to participate in the election rather they will be going to the field to vote like every other voter in the state.
