Centre Says Osun PDP Allegations against IGP Egbetokun, Malicious, Uncharitable.

The Centre for the Advancement of Peace and Justice, considers the recent allegations made by the Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regarding the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., and the purported involvement of the Police Force in any plot to destabilize Osun State or assassinate the State Governor, His Excellency, Ademola Adeleke, are not only false and unfounded but also a dangerous attempt to politicize the Nigeria Police Force and undermine public trust.

It is a known fact, that the Nigeria Police Force is an organization committed to maintaining law and order in all states of the Federation, including Osun State, without bias or prejudice. The deployment of police personnel to Osun State, as with any other state, is solely for the purpose of ensuring the safety and security of citizens and preventing the breakdown of law and order. Any insinuation that these deployments are politically motivated or intended to interfere with local government affairs is a gross misrepresentation of facts. As an organization, we condemn this attempt, at politicizing the role of the police, by the Osun state chapter of the PDP. 

These foul play and poor drama by the Osun State PDP Chapter is indeed laughable. Initially the State PDP Chapter went to court and received judgement for the APC Chairmen of the state to be sacked. The APC Chairmen vacated the office without squabbles and sought an appeal at a higher court, following the rule of law. However, when the higher court approved their appeal and annulled the ruling of the lower court, the APC Chairmen went back to resume duty and the PDP faction unfortunately could not show conformity to law and maturity as the APC had done and instead resulted to violence, one which claimed the lives of APC members, not even PDP members. Who is then lawless…is it the APC who followed rule of law, or the other party who resulted to violence?

Also recall that the IGP vowed in his previous statement to go after those responsible for the unnecessary violence that resulted in the loss of lives. It is shameful to see that PDP would result to these baseless claims and dangerous accusations to try and divert attention from their atrocities and shameful acts. Saying that the IGP would connive with some people to kill a sitting governor, is that even reasonable at all?

It is important,.that we ask, political actors in Osun State and   to refrain from dragging the name of the IGP and the Police Force into their political squabbles. Such baseless allegations are not only defamatory but also have the potential to incite violence and unrest. The Police Force should remain committed to its constitutional mandate of protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and order, and should not be distracted by baseless accusations. 

Finally, it is very clear, that our politicians are not taking enough lessons in history, hence their desperation. We have a duty, to nurture this democracy, and collectively ensure its survival. 

Dr. Idowu Olafare, 

Executive Director.