Osun CSOs suspend protest, give IGP 72 hours to redeploy police commissioner

The Network of Osun Civil Society Groups on Sunday suspended its planned protest against the Nigeria Police Force (NPF)  for another 72 hours following the intervention of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP),  Tunji Disu, over the worsening security situation in the state.

The coalition said it decided to extend its ultimatum, which expired on Saturday, in recognition of the IGP’s directive that political violence in the state must end immediately and that all those responsible for killings, abductions and other violent crimes be investigated and prosecuted.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its convener,  Emmanuel Olowu Ayedun, the group, however, maintained its demand for the immediate redeployment of the  state’s Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, insisting that his removal remained the most effective confidence-building measure ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

The statement followed the visit of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-West zone,  Adegoke Fayoade, to Osun as part of efforts to restore peace after recent political violence in the state.

The coalition recalled that it had earlier given the police a 72-hour ultimatum demanding the redeployment of the commissioner  and a restructuring of the leadership of the state command.

“Ordinarily, the expiration of that ultimatum would have marked the commencement of the next phase of our lawful democratic actions. However, in recognition of the  IGP’s intervention and in the interest of peace, constructive engagement and respect for constituted authority, we have resolved to extend our next line of action by another 72 hours,” the statement read.

The group said it expected the NPF and the Police Service Commission( PSC) to use the extension to implement the IGP’s directives and act on its demand for the redeployment of the commissioner.

Despite welcoming the intervention of the police hierarchy, the coalition alleged that politically motivated attacks had continued across the state after the DIG’s visit.

It cited reports of the alleged abduction of an Accord Party member in Ilesa by suspected political thugs operating in an APC/AMBO-branded campaign vehicle, claiming that the victim later resurfaced in police custody without any explanation from the authorities.

It argued that the continued stay of the commissioner  in office would undermine efforts to restore public confidence and guarantee peaceful elections.

“Our advocacy remains peaceful, non-partisan and firmly committed to the protection of democracy, the rule of law and the safety of every resident of Osun State,” the statement added.