Governor Monday Okpebholo’s new administration in Edo State is facing mounting criticism over conflicting statements regarding the status of the Edo State Security Network. Two weeks into his tenure, the governor’s office appears to have sown confusion about the security outfit at a time when the state is grappling with a surge in violence.
On Friday, Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary, announced that the governor had lifted the suspension of the security network, a measure initially imposed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) before the September 21 governorship election.
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However, it was revealed that the suspension had already been lifted by former Governor Godwin Obaseki on October 7 during a security council meeting at Government House.
“The IG was clear; people who are not part of the national security structure cannot take part in elections,” Obaseki had clarified. “Now that the election is over, as Governor and Chief Security Officer of Edo State, I have directed that the vigilante corps will immediately resume their beats according to the law.”
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The contradiction in messaging has drawn sharp criticism from security experts and opposition figures, who argue that it reflects a troubling lack of coordination within the new government.
Edo State has been hit by a wave of cult-related violence and criminal activity since the governor’s inauguration. Critics have questioned why the state’s security network has not been fully mobilised to address these pressing challenges.
Bright Amadi, a security consultant based in Benin City, described the situation as alarming. “Understanding the status of the state’s own security network should have been a top priority for the new administration, especially given the current insecurity,” he said.
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This incident follows another misstep earlier in the week, when the government hastily announced a free bus service across the state. The policy was rescinded less than 24 hours later after operators of the Edo City Transport Service reportedly deemed the plan unfeasible. The quick reversal has added to public doubts about the administration’s decision-making processes.
Prominent opposition figure Anthony Ehilebo, a PDP chieftain from Igueben, criticised the government’s approach, labelling it unprepared and shortsighted. “Government is supposed to be a continuum,” Ehilebo remarked.
“Isn’t it surprising that the new administration seems unaware of existing policies? Playing politics with the Edo State Security Network during the campaign by calling it Obaseki’s private army has backfired. Rising insecurity and unacceptable loss of lives have forced the APC governor to rely on the same structure.”
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Ehilebo also took aim at what he described as a lack of focus in the administration. “Instead of focusing on governance, they’re preoccupied with photo-ops and witch hunts. This interim government, as it is now called in Edo, has proven to be a confused calamity. Thankfully, we have approached the courts, and we believe the judiciary will save Edo State from this six-month APC misadventure.”
As the Okpebholo administration grapples with its early challenges, analysts have urged more strategic planning and clearer communication to avert further missteps.
“Leadership requires well-thought-out decisions that prioritise the people’s welfare,” Amadi said. “Edo State’s security and governance need immediate attention, and there’s no room for trial and error.”
The growing concerns over security and governance highlight the pressing need for the administration to establish its priorities and restore public confidence in its ability to lead.
