Resist pressure to remove Osun CP, APC ex-lawmakers tell IGP
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –
The Forum of Former All Progressives Congress (APC) members of the Osun State House of Assembly has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to resist any pressure aimed at influencing operational decisions within the Nigeria Police Force ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
Addressing a press conference in Osogbo on Thursday, the chairman of the forum and former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye, alleged that the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke was making moves to secure the removal of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan.
Owoeye claimed that the move was linked to Gotan’s commitment to professional policing and efforts to tackle criminality across the state.
He noted that since his deployment to Osun, the commissioner had demonstrated professionalism, neutrality and dedication to the protection of lives and property while intensifying operations against criminal gangs, cult groups and other security threats.
“It is difficult to understand why any government would be uncomfortable with a police commissioner who is diligently carrying out his constitutional duties and working tirelessly to make communities safer. We ask a simple question: Why should any government be unhappy that criminal activities are being confronted and reduced to the barest minimum?” he said.
The former lawmaker urged IGP Disu to resist any pressure aimed at influencing operational decisions within the Nigeria Police Force for partisan reasons.
The forum also alerted security agencies to what it described as intelligence indicating a coordinated plot to unleash violence against APC members and supporters across the state ahead of the governorship election.
Owoeye urged Governor Adeleke to publicly demonstrate his commitment to peace by distancing his administration from any individual or group associated with violence, intimidation or political thuggery, stressing that the forum remained committed to a peaceful and issue-based campaign.
