The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has called on the Acting Inspector -General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun to launch a comprehensive investigation into the activities of men and officers of the Quick Response Unit under the Kogi State Police Command.
The Chairman of the SDP Governorship Campaign Council, retired Colonel Suleiman Babanawa said the call has become necessary following the discovery that some men and officers of the unit have turned themselves into tools of violence in the hand of the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Babanawa who spoke at a news conference in Lokoja on Thursday stated that policemen attached to the Quick Response Unit were among the APC armed thugs that launched a bloody attack on members of SDP at Ejule, Ofu Local Government area of Kogi State on Wednesday, October 18, 2023.
He alleged that the same armed thugs suspected to be working for APC also on the same attacked members of SDP at Ajaka, Igala-Mela Local Government, leaving many of its members wounded.
Babanawa , said the cat was let out of the bag when a police officer, ASP Adamu Sani attached to the Quick Response Unit was among armed thugs apprehended at Ajaka.
He said that ASP Adamu Sani brought out his ID card to confirm that he is a serving member of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Quick Response Unit.
The SDP Campaign Council Chairman said the arrested police officer, Adamu Sani confessed to be working for APC on the instruction of the Area Commander, CSP Femi Ojo.
He said the vehicles and other dangerous weapons recovered from the suspected armed thugs were taken to the police station at Ajaka.
The Chairman also stated that SDP is ready to provide evidences to prove that the APC has been using some policemen attached to the Quick Response Unit to attack its members, especially in Kogi East senatorial district.
He said the candidate of the SDP in the coming governorship election is a law abiding citizen , saying that members of the party have no intention and capacity to resort to violence.
Babanawa called on the police to create a level playing field for all parties contesting the November 11 governorship election in the state , saying this is necessary to guarantee peace before, during and after the election.
He recalled previous bloody attacks on SDP campaign train at Koton Karfe, Ayingba, Abocho and others, saying that the police refusal to bring perpetrators to book has been encouraging the APC to be more daring.
Also addressing journalists , the Deputy Governorship Candidate of the SDP in the coming election, Chief Sam Abenemi decried incessant attacks on members of the party across the state.
Abenemi said the APC is living a fools paradise if it thinks the suppressing and intimidating voters is the best way to go as far as the governorship election is concerned.
Abenemi said the SDP is the party to beat in the election, describing the APC as a drowning party clinging to a straw to survive.
He described the attack launched on female members of SDP at Ejule as shameful and a crime against humanity.
Abenemi urged the police to rise up to its constitutional duty of protecting live and property by bringing perpetrators to book.
Meanwhile, the state police command said ASP Adamu Sami has been taken into custody for investigation for engaging in illegal duty and political violence.
Spokesman of the state police command, SP William Aya confirmed this in a statement on Thursday in Lokoja.
Aya said : “The Commissioner of Police Kogi State Police Command, CP Bethrand C. Onuoha, has ordered for an investigation into a trending video where a Police Officer was seen in the pool of his blood as a result of the Political clash in Idah.
“The Commissioner of Police while condemning the incident noted that the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Department has been tasked to commence investigation.
“The CP reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to continue to engage the critical stakeholders in Election Security Management to ensure a secure environment for electoral process.
“He added that, the Command is ever determined in providing a level playing ground for all Political Parties as they embark on campaigns, rallies, procession among others.”
(vitalnewsngr.com)
