The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has urged the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, to explain to Nigerians why he removed Osun State Commissioner of Police, Faleye Olaleye.
According to the organization, there is a movement to ruin the peace that the people of the state have enjoyed for many years and to introduce what has been the norm in places such as Imo and Enugu, where unknown gunmen are now issuing instructions to citizens.
HURIWA, at a news conference in Abuja on Saturday, worried of an impending breakdown of law and order in Osun State.
According to DAILY POST, the state has become a theatre of war since the change of leadership, with thugs freely carrying firearms, cutlasses, and other hazardous weapons, following innocent residents around.
On the 5th of December 2022, thugs went around some places in the state, especially the motor parks, shooting sporadically, maiming many for life and killing a few.
And CP Olaleye, who acted promptly and saved the situation from degenerating, is now being removed and transferred to another location for allegedly refusing to do the bidding of some top government officials.
The person, CP Patrick Longe, who would be announced soon as a replacement to Olaleye, was said to have been recommended by another CP from Ede, the country home of the new Governor.
“We equally hear that CP Longe had gone ahead to pledge allegiance to some power brokers in the State,” HURIWA said.
“To show that even the IGP, Usman Baba, is not pleased with the posting, he sent out a signal posting the new CP, but said it is subject to approval by the Police Service Commission.
“It is so rare that an IGP would subject the posting of police personnel to the approval of the Police Service Commission. The Police Service Commission only has the power on promotion and disciplinary issues, as posting is at the discretion of the IGP.
“To this end, therefore, we call on the IGP to rescind his decision to post CP Longe to Osun State to avoid a breakdown of law and order, as from all indications, he is drafted to the state for a hatchet mission.”
According to the rights group, the state needs to be handled by a neutral and highly professional CP who is not ready to compromise and is committed to the maintenance of law and order no matter whose ox is gored.
“They should also let Nigerians know CP Faleye’s offence to warrant his removal after just two months as Commissioner of Police in Osun State and despite the huge commendations by the good people of Osun for his professionalism,” the group demanded.
