…. condemn continuous attack on IGP, Force PRO
The Coalition of Civil Rights Organisations (CCRO) has commended the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for the high level of professionalism and maturity displayed during yesterday’s protest at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, staged by a group of politicians masquerading as activists.
In a press release signed by its General Secretary, Kolawole Abe, the coalition expressed satisfaction with the peaceful manner in which the Police handled the gathering, led by controversial activist and former presidential aspirant Mr. Omoyele Sowore, who, alongside his group, staged what was described as a politically motivated demonstration under the guise of demanding improved welfare for serving and retired police personnel.
According to the coalition, despite deliberate provocations and unruly conduct by Mr. Sowore and some members of his group, the Police exercised utmost restraint and allowed the protesters to express themselves freely around the premises of the Force Headquarters, thereby upholding the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
“We commend the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and the entire leadership of the Nigeria Police Force for their decorum, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to democratic values, even in the face of attempts to provoke confrontation,” the statement read.
The coalition further hailed the IGP for his consistent efforts to engage both serving and retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force in meaningful dialogue, stressing that the IGP’s meeting with retired officers held on the same day at the Force Headquarters was a significant demonstration of his commitment to ensuring their welfare concerns are addressed through proper institutional engagement.
“IGP Egbetokun’s continued interface with retired officers, particularly his meeting with them yesterday, is an attestation to his proactive leadership and sensitivity to the genuine welfare needs of the police community. He has proven that institutional issues can be resolved within the ambit of the law, not through politically charged protests,” Kolawole Abe stated.
The coalition passed a vote of confidence on the IGP, describing his leadership as strategic, people-orientated, and guided by a deep understanding of the constitutional role of the police in a democratic society.
In addition, the CCRO praised the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, for his consistent engagement with civil society, the media, and other stakeholders, even in the face of persistent personal attacks often incited by the same political actors.
“Despite targeted campaigns of calumny spearheaded by Mr. Sowore and his cohorts, ACP Adejobi has remained a symbol of civility, transparency, and professionalism in public communication. His role has been instrumental in bridging the gap between the police and the public,” the coalition added.
The Coalition of Civil Rights Organisations reaffirmed its readiness to continue partnering with the Nigeria Police Force to promote human rights, accountability, and institutional reforms, while calling on Nigerians to resist attempts by political actors to exploit legitimate concerns for a selfish agenda.
