The Edo State chairmen of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Tony Aziegbemi has declared that Governor of the State Godwin Obaseki does not collect security vote like other Nigeria Governors.
Mr Aziegbemi noted that Governor Obaseki is sacrificing his own security vote for the development of the State, particularly in Education and health sectors that are more important to the State.
The PDP chairman made the disclosure on Monday Ray Power programme in Benin City while responding to security challenges in some parts of the State.
He explained that security of the State is the responsibility of the federal government, which according to him, has the power to appoint heads of security Agencies and fire when necessary as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The PDP chairman also said the Governor through the approval of the State House of Assembly, set up Edo State Security Network towards assisting the federal government to curb insecurity, including the menace of killer herdsmen that prevent farmers from accessing their farms sometimes in the State.
Aziegbemi said, “There is something called security vote. This our Governor is the only Governor who does not collect security vote like other Governors because he believes that that money can be used for other things like Education, Health and other things”.
According to him, “I like the question you asked if security is the responsibility of the State government. But, the Constitution of this Country says that the security of lives and property shall be the primary responsibility of government. It’s the federal government that appoints the Inspector-General of Police and other Heads of security Agencies.
“If the Governor gives a directive to the State Commissioner of Police, he will not obey because it’s the federal government that is in charge of security
“Truly, the issue of security is not only in the hand of the Governor so to say. It’s the federal government that is supposed to do the needful. But, the All Progressives Congress (APC) led-government at the federal level deliberately leave the task for the Governors alone to handle”, he said.
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