The Network of Civil Society Groups in Osun State has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Tunde Disu, for his swift intervention in the state’s security situation ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The groups said the IG’s directive during his recent visit, ordering an immediate end to political violence, killings and acts of thuggery, and mandating the arrest of perpetrators regardless of political affiliation, had led to a noticeable reduction in violence across the state in recent days.
Addressing a press conference on behalf of the groups, Emmanuel Olowu of the Social Economic and Civic Rights Advocacy said the development showed that peace is achievable when the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force acts professionally and impartially.
Mr Olowu, however, alleged that the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, failed to take meaningful steps to restore order until the IG’s intervention.
He accused the police chief of compromising the neutrality expected of the force, adding that he had lost the confidence of a significant section of the state’s population.
“The actions of the CP have repeatedly created the impression that policing in the state is no longer guided solely by evidence, fairness and the rule of law.
“This perception has eroded public confidence in the command and weakened the credibility of the police at a time when Osun needs a trusted and impartial security institution,” he said.
Mr Olowu said the groups’ earlier call for the redeployment of the commissioner was not politically motivated but driven by their responsibility to advocate for the public interest.
He cited the alleged assassination attempt on the Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Wole Oke, noting that inconsistencies between police claims and a suspect’s confession raised concerns.
He called for a thorough investigation into the alleged falsification of a suspect’s statement and urged that anyone found culpable be brought to justice.
Mr Olowu reiterated the demand for the immediate redeployment of the commissioner and the appointment of a replacement whose integrity, professionalism and neutrality would restore public confidence and ensure impartial policing.
“The Network of Civil Society Groups in Osun will continue to monitor developments closely and will not remain silent while the integrity of law enforcement and the democratic process is threatened.
“We hope we will not be forced to mobilise the people and return to the streets before the needful is done. The people of Osun deserve a police command that serves the Constitution, not politics,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police dismissed the allegations of bias in handling politically related violence as untrue.
Speaking at a separate news conference, Mr Gotan said his conscience was clear and maintained that he had made significant efforts in crime-fighting during his one year in office.
He acknowledged calls for his redeployment, describing them as a fundamental right, but insisted that his record would speak for him.
There have been protests and counter-protests over the redeployment of the commissioner amid concerns over political violence in the state.
(NAN)
