Nigeria Police Is Not An Arm Of Your Party, Osun Democrats For Democracy Carpets APC
The Osun Democrats For Democracy (ODD) has bemoaned the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the subtle threat issued to the new State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Adeoye Akeem Adeola, expressing concerns at the despicable height of partisanship that public institutions, particularly the Police Force, has been subjected to by the APC.
The civil society group in a statement signed by its Security Sector Director, Ms Sade Aduloju, condemned strongly the open admission of the Osun APC of being responsible for the unjust transfer of the former spokesperson of Police in the state, CSP Yemisi Opalola, due to her refusal to tow the path of illegality, alerted the global community to the danger of a partisan Police Force, which appears to be manifest under the current Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun.
Ms Aduloju noted that Mrs. Opalola was the latest victim of the APC crude abuse of federal institution for political purpose, recalled that before the latest incident, an Immigration chief was transferred out of Osun state in a controversial manner for simply acknowledging that the February 22, 2025 local government elections in the state held peacefully.
“Initially, we have our doubt on what could have prompted the transfer of CSP Yemisi Opalola shortly after the conduct of local government elections in Osun state but the Osun APC has provided the whole world the answer, which was political interference. This is indeed sad for Nigeria as a country and poses a very dangerous implication for Nigeria,” Ms Aduloju noted.
“By our understanding and as enabling laws clearly indicated, the Police Force is an institution that works for all Nigerians, irrespective of partisan persuasion, faith, colour and tongue. They have the duty of maintaining laws and order without sentiment, but as the Osun APC statement clearly portrayed, that isn’t the case under the current leadership, and more like an arm of its party.
“The Osun APC has not hidden its disdain for democracy, relying on external forces, as we can now understand to include the Police under Mr. Egbetokun, to foist itself on Osun people unlawfully. Given the rhetorics of the Osun APC, the whole world can see what was waged against Osun people and the dangerous implications on our democracy.”
Ms Aduloju warned that the weight of history lurks for all those abusing institutions to achieve political objectives, calling on Osun people not to waver and remain resolute in resisting every effort to derail this democracy through abuse of public institutions.
“It is unfortunate that this is happening again because it brings back the horrible memories of the military dictatorship. Like in the military, the Osun APC is counting on force to grab power and any official with conscience and refuses the unlawful route are targeted for reprimand,” she noted.
“This was the unfortunate fate that befell CSP Opalola and that was what the Osun APC statement tried to convey so as to coerce other Police officers to do its illegal bidding. As frightening as this seems, we draw strength from history that oppression will never outclass the will of the people.”
Signed:
Ms Sade Aduloju,
The Security Sector Director, ODD
07/03/2025
