As All Progressive Congress (APC) factional politics deepens in Osun State, a faction recognised as the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola’s group, has taken to the street a protest demanding the replacement of the State’s Commissioner of Police, Olawale Olokode.
The group has accused the CP of working with the governor, ignoring his primary obligations which are; securing lives and properties, rather, taking a side in the ongoing rift between the former Governor Aregbesola and incumbent Governor Gboyega Oyetola.
Led by Rasaq Salinsile, the political group stormed the state headquarters of the Osun State Police Command on Wednesday.
Salinsile said: “It is a sad tale that your Command, without any of your men in the Minister’s convoy, as it pleases your master at Okefia Government House, concluded that “Minister brought in hoodlums to disturb the peace of the state.
“The malaise of serving the purpose of only Governor Oyetola and his men, CP Wale Olokode has blinded your Command from going after criminals who have invaded the Osun landscape big time since you assumed duty as the Commissioner of Police in the state,” it said.
“That is why there are so many cases of unresolved kidnapping, murder (especially that of OAU MBA student, Timothy Adegoke that has to be taken out of your Command because it was obvious you have been compromised), ritual cases, cult war e.t.c.”
But in a swift reaction, the CP said the Nigerian Police force remain apolitical, noting that his command frowns at any form of protests under any guise especially as elections are around the corner.
A release signed by Yemisi Opalola, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, said it had been availed of intelligence that clandestine plans were on by some group of people to embark on a protest which is scheduled to hold on Wednesday
The command called on individuals and groups planning such and their sponsors to jettison their plans as it was fully prepared to use all legitimate means to avert such protest.
The command held that allegations and counter-allegations were expected but the police being apolitical will discharge its duties without bias.
“War-mongers, troublemakers, persons, groups or groups intending or planning to cause, create or execute any act of violence before, during and after the primary/gubernatorial elections should, in their interest, leave the State quietly and peacefully.
“The Police and other security agencies in the state will secure a level playing ground for all political parties, politicians and all the eligible electorates to exercise their franchise while we will not hesitate to deal decisively and within the ambit of law, with anyone, group of persons who attempt to foment trouble and in the process disrupt the smooth conduct of the elections.
“Though all allegations and counter-allegations are not unexpected, it is pertinent to state clearly here, that the police is apolitical, and we will discharge our duties without bias or favour to any person or persons regardless of their political affiliation,” the statement said.
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