Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
The Edo State House of Assembly has knocked the Inspector General of Police IGP, Kayode Egbetokun’s, indefinite suspension of the Edo Security Corps, citing constitutional provisions that legitimize the corps’ existence.
While the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun is yet to settle down after the indefinite suspension of the activities of the Edo Security Corps, House Majority Leader, Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian, at a press briefing, said the IGP lacks the authority to suspend the corps, established by law on June 13, 2024, and assented to by Governor Godwin Obaseki on June 14, 2024.
Truth Live News Media reports that the IGP Egbetokun at a Stakeholders Meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Wednesday pronounced the suspension of the corps.
Aiguobarueghian referenced Section 11 subsection 1 and 2 of the constitution, which empowers state assemblies to legislate for peace, good governance, and order.
He stressed 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 lawmaker 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.