The Forum of All Progressives Congress former lawmakers in Osun State on Thursday called on the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, to resist pressure to redeploy the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, ahead of the August 15, 202,6 governorship election.
Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo, the forum’s spokesperson and immediate past Speaker of the Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, alleged that Governor Ademola Adeleke was using “backdoor manoeuvres” to remove Gotan because of his impartiality.
“We are deeply concerned by reports suggesting that Governor Ademola Adeleke and some individuals within the state government are dissatisfied with the activities of the Commissioner of Police because of his determination to enforce the law without fear or favour,” Owoeye said.
He said Gotan had shown “professionalism, neutrality, courage and commitment to the protection of lives” since his deployment, and questioned why any government would be uncomfortable with such a police officer.
The former lawmakers alleged that the state government wanted to remove professional security officers “so they can have a free day to unleash their political bandits and janjaweed on our members.”
Owoeye also urged security agencies to investigate what he described as a coordinated plot by the ruling Accord to move suspected thugs into Osun to unleash violence on APC members and supporters. He further accused the governor of harbouring criminal elements declared wanted for murder by the police inside the Government House.
“We therefore call on the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, to resist any pressure aimed at influencing operational decisions within the Nigeria Police Force for partisan considerations,” Owoeye stated.
He stressed that professional policing must not become a casualty of partisan politics, adding that “politicians should face politics while the police should be allowed to face the business of ensuring security and safety of the citizenry.”
The forum said the allegations were necessary to ensure peace and tranquility ahead of the governorship poll.
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