During a recent TopTalk weekly interaction program on Kaftan Tv anchored by Amadin Ogbewe, Dr. Dennis Osahon Aikoriogie, a gubernatorial aspirant in Edo state, made a strong statement regarding the role of governors in the security of their states.
Aikoriogie stated, “I don’t think the constitution does not empower the [governor] to take charge of the security in the state, it does. That’s why he is called the Chief security officer of the state and that is why every Governor gets Security Vote amounting to billions of Nairas” He emphasized that the governor presides over security meetings in the state and all security chiefs are answerable to him. For that
The security vote of the state should be properly harnessed and used squarely for the purpose it is meant for.
Additionally, he mentioned that the governor must have the ability to form his own security team in the state and invest in technological advancements to improve security, such as patrol vans and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV).
Furthermore, Aikoriogie stressed the importance of partnering with village heads and traditional rulers to control intruders who invade farms and kidnap people in Edo state. He concluded by highlighting the need for the governor to prioritize the security and safety of the state’s residents. Dr. Aikoriogie also stated that partnering with village heads and traditional rulers which is the bedrock of community policing, as he is a firm believer of community policing, as it plays a pivotal role in intelligence gathering, there is a strong nexus between intelligence gathering and having a tight security grip within a state.
As the gubernatorial race in Edo state heats up, Aikoriogie’s stance on the governor’s role in state security adds a new perspective to the ongoing conversation about the responsibilities and powers of state leaders.
