On Thursday, the Edo House of Assembly criticized the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for banning the Edo State Security Network, ESSN, from polling stations in the state's upcoming governorship election.

Charity Aiguobarueghian, the Majority Leader of the House, told journalists in Benin on Thursday that the security network was built in accordance with the Federal Republic of Nigeria Constitution, as amended.

Aiguobarueghian assured reporters in Benin that the security network would continue to defend the people, regardless of the IGP's statement.

According to TalkTalk Nigeria, the IGP ordered on Wednesday that the security network's activities be suspended until further notice.

The measure, according to the IGP, was intended to ensure transparency in the September 21 gubernatorial election.

Egbetokun, who warned the security network to remain away from the polls, stated that the Police were entirely responsible for securing the election.

However, Aiguobarueghian told reporters that only a court of law could order the suspension of the Edo security network.

Aiguobarueghian underlined the importance of ESSN in providing security and securing lives and property, particularly in the state's rural districts.

"The Edo State House of Assembly, in accordance with its function and powers as embodied in Section 4 of the Constitution as amended, had the authority to legislate on state peace and order.

"Edo State is among the 23 out of 36 states with an internal community police network established to provide security and order," he told journalists.