Edo Assembly Blasts IGP Over Suspension Of State Security Corps

The Edo State House of Assembly has countered the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s, indefinite suspension of the Edo Security Corps, citing constitutional provisions that legitimize the corps’ existence.
The Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian, at a press briefing, in Benin City, argued that the IGP lacked the authority to suspend the corps, established by law on June 13, 2024, and assented to by Governor Godwin Obaseki on June 14, 2024.
Egbetokun at a stakeholders’ engagement organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, last Wednesday pronounced the suspension.
Aiguobarueghian referenced Section 11 subsection 1 and 2 of the constitution, which empowers state assemblies to legislate for peace, good governance, and order.
He emphasized that the Edo State House of Assembly acted within its constitutional powers in establishing the security corps, aligning with the principles of federalism and the primary responsibility of government to ensure security and welfare according to Section 14.
The Majority Leader criticized the IGP’s actions as a “great betrayal” from his office, stressing that the Assistant Inspector General and Commissioner of Police in Edo State should have informed him of the corps’ legitimacy.
He said undermining the position of the constitution is a default that shouldn’t be allowed to stay adding that it is only the court of law that has such power to suspend its activities.
The House of Assembly’s stance underscores the need for the IGP to respect constitutional provisions and the autonomy of state governments in matters of security.