The Edo State Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO) has urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to lift the ban on the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) following the conclusion of the Edo 2024 governorship election. The ban, imposed ahead of the election, was aimed at ensuring a smooth voting process.
In a statement made in Benin, the group’s Coordinator General, Omobude Agho, highlighted the ESSN’s significant role in reducing crime since its establishment, calling for its immediate reinstatement to address ongoing security concerns.
Agho also commended the peaceful conduct of the election but criticized the widespread vote-buying by major political parties, which he claimed undermined the electoral process. According to Agho, despite the peaceful atmosphere at polling stations, votes were openly bought and sold for amounts between ₦10,000 and ₦20,000, with security personnel failing to act.
Furthermore, the group expressed concerns over irregularities in the collation of election results. Agho noted that security agencies had removed election materials from certain collation centers without party agents or observers, raising suspicions of possible electoral malpractice.
Despite these issues, EDOCSO congratulated the governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, urging any aggrieved parties to seek legal redress without resorting to violence or self-help.
