…say Kano example of how governors will misuse State Police
…condemn use of state resources to persecute perceived enemies in Kano
A coalition of 1,000 civil society organisations has applauded the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun for withdrawing officers assigned to the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission.
Under the auspices of the Transparency Watch Initiative (TWI), the coalition described the IGP’s action as timely and necessary to avoid the breakdown of law and order.
No fewer than 40 policemen providing security and investigation support for the agency were asked to report back to Command headquarters with immediate effect.
In a statement signed by its President Dr. Kolawole Anthony, the coalition welcomed the development and thanked the IGP for stepping in.
Anthony accused Governor Abba Yusuf of abusing his office and witch-hunting perceived enemies all in the name of probe.
He said the state’s anti-corruption agency is one of the tools to fight these persons and security personnel found themselves in the middle of the crossfire.
Describing Kano as an example of how governors will misuse state police, the coalition said officers under their control could be used for political or personal gain and compromise human rights and security.
The coalition, therefore, condemned the Kano State government for using state funds to prosecute those against the administration.
“We welcome the news of IGP Egbetokun’s decision to withdraw police officers attached to the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission with great excitement,” the groups said.
“This is not only timely but necessary to avoid further breakdown of law and order in the state. As we all know, Kano is very volatile.
“Governor Abba Yusuf has not helped matters by abusing his office and fighting perceived enemies with state funds instead of focusing on good governance.
“The police officers were reportedly being used to do his bidding under the guise of a probe. That is why so many questions have been raised about state policing.
“We want to commend the IGP for this bold decision and urge the Federal Government to take a second look at state policing.
“Governor Yusuf has shown us that we are not ready with his bad example. He has deviated and must be called to order to avoid a crisis in the state.
“We want to, therefore, remind the governor that power is transient. Power is a tool for change, not destabilization. He should retrace his steps and seek forgiveness”.