..I see the petition as a deliberate attempt to malign my name and bring disrepute to the command
The Osun State Police Commissioner, Olawale Olokode has described the allegations of The Osun Progress ‘TOP’ a faction of All Progressives Congress (APC) Osun State chapter against him as fallacies that far from the truth.
The CP made the disclosure on Sunday, during a press conference held at the Osun State Police Headquarters, Osogbo, said the Police Command will not allow itself to be an instrument of any political party.
Recall that the TOP had earlier accused the Commissioner of police of being aware of series of attacks carried out on its members by suspected political thugs in the state, with also a fresh attack on Oranmiyan House by suspected gunmen on Thursday.
According to him, “We remain independent and work according to the rules and regulations guiding the Nigerian Police Force. I, as the Commissioner of Police in the state have not derailed in my job and I will never do. I therefore want to say that all allegations against me, my personality and the command are fallacies and far from the truth.
“The Osun State Police Command is never and will never be an appendage of any political party or group and our actions and activities have shown such.
“We have been professional in the discharge of our duties by upholding our constitutional mandates as a Force. At no point have we deviated and we will never do at anytime.
“I wish to state that we have been working on every petition received. The latest one that has to do with the SUBEB Chairman came to my knowledge recently, and our State Criminal Investigation Department under a Deputy Commissioner is seriously working on it. The petitioners came a couple of days ago, and they were assured of our readiness to get to the root of the matter.
“On the allegations of de-humanization, I wish to state that it has never been in my character, and those who know me can testify that I have never engaged in such. No amount of inducement can make me change my character.
“It is also pertinent to state that the recent attack on some APC members in Ikirun, Ifelodun local government was thoroughly investigated, and those suspected to be behind the crime were arrested. Among those arrested are two members of the TOP group, one from IleriOluwa and two persons who confirmed not to be politicians at all. They were all charged to court, and at no point did my office interfere with the investigation. So no persecution or de-humanization at any point.
“To continue maintaining fairness, all Area Commanders, Departmental Heads, Tactical Commanders, and Divisional Police Officer are put on their toes. This was done ensure that the Command is not only doing the needful but also showing fairness to all.
“I want to state that despite that the command was not informed of any meeting at Oranmiyan House where attack was reported, we quickly mobilized our men to the place. Apart from this, the police have investigated all the attacks, including the recent one at the Oranmiyan House in Osogbo and when needs be, suspects will be prosecuted.
“For the record, since I have been posted to the state in December 2020, I have done my best to ensure that Osun State remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria. We are all aware of the hitherto prevalent cases of kidnapping across Osun State which has now been subdued by the war we waged against them. We promptly deploy our officers to the volatile parts of the state where cases of kidnapping were rising, freed many victims, and arrest kidnappers many of whom have been prosecuted. We can all testify that kidnapping case in Osun is becoming a thing of the past.
“I see the petition as a deliberate attempt to malign my name and bring disrepute to the command under me and it is unfortunate. I therefore wish to say that, if this does not stop, I, and the command will not hesitate to take legal action against all form of lies and unfounded allegations from any corner.'” he added
He ,however, reassured all residents of State to continue with their lawful activities without entertaining any fear.
