For their slipshod and somewhat partisan handling of the roiling political crisis in Rivers State, the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, have come under serious fire.
The fire this time came from the influential Ogoni group, Greater Ogonis in Diaspora Organisation, GODO, who want Egbetokun to resign. And if he doesn’t, they said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should fire him.
It doesn’t end there, President of GODO, Chief Ambrose Kii, also threatened to drag the IGP to the International Criminal Court at The Hague should the police continue it’s alleged brazen partisanship in the Rivers crisis.
Kii cited the excessive use of force and violence, particularly against Rivers people and disrespecting the governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who he described as the chief security officer of the state.
The GODO leader felt disgusted by the IGP’s alleged inaction and bias in the crisis that has lingered for a long period, resulting in loss of lives and properties, as well as the wanton destruction of government property. This is not to mention many citizens who fear becoming refugees in their own land.
“The Inspector General of Police has failed in his duty to maintain law and order in Rivers State,” Kii declared.. “His partisanship and inability to act decisively have exacerbated the situation, and we demand his resignation.
“The IG’s actions have undermined the confidence of the people in the security agencies.”
The GODO President also hammered the judiciary for issuing conflicting judgments and orders, and behaving in manners that suggests that they were doing the bidding of some individuals in government.
“The judiciary, once the last hope of the people, has become compromised,” the GODO boss continued. “Instead of upholding justice, they are issuing orders that fuel the crisis, without considering the merit or demerit of each case. This erosion of trust in the judiciary is alarming.”
Kii also took a swipe at the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, accusing it of being anything but independent.
“INEC has become a tool for selfish and self-centred politicians to manipulate the electoral process,” he declared.
“Its inability to stand firm against external pressures undermines the democratic process. INEC must assert its independence and ensure free and fair elections.”
Kii didn’t spare President Bola Ahmed Tinubu either. He expressed disappointment at the President’s handling of the crisis, urging him to intervene promptly,.
“As the father of the nation, ” Kii said, “the President should call for a permanent solution to the crisis.
“Instead of allowing his loyalists to use state instruments to perpetuate violence, he should order them to respect the office of the governor. The President’s silence is deafening, and his inaction is perpetuating the crisis.”
GODO added up everything and urged the international community to intervene and support peaceful resolution of the crisis;.
GODO also implored civil society organizations in the country to join forces in demanding justice and peace in Rivers.
It also appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to stand up against political violence, insisting that security agencies must remain impartial and protect citizens.
“We will not stand idly by while our state is torn apart by politics and violence,” GODO declared.
“We demand accountability, justice, and peace. The people of Rivers State deserve better.”
