By Adewole Kehinde
“I firmly believe in the rule of law as the foundation for all our basic rights,” – Sonia Sotomayor
It is very common in Nigeria to drop the names of personalities, especially when atrocities are committed.
No wonder I was not too border when I saw a headline on SaharaReporters titled “BREAKING: Inspector-General of Police Overrules Court Order, Orders Re-Arrest Of Female Customer In Erisco Company Review.”
I laughed when I read the whole news because the IGP Kayode Egbetokun, whom I know very well, will never disobey court order.
If IGP Egbetokun convoys can observe traffic regulations, why will he then disobey court orders?
Although the publication says, “Policemen on the ALLEGED orders of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, have invaded the residence of Mrs. Chioma Edoka Okoli, a female customer who was previously arrested for reviewing the tomato product of Erisco Foods Limited.”.
I expected the human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, who is also my friend, to approach the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, to confirm the so-called “alleged” order of the IGP.
The IGP Egbetokun, which I know very well, will never issue a directive to overrule the subsisting order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
IGP Egbetokun, who has a PhD in Peace and Security Studies, is Nigeria’s number one law enforcement officer. He will never flout the order of the court nor flagrantly disobey the decision of the court, as he is a defender of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
I call on the human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, to tread with caution and liaise with the Legal Department of the Nigeria Police on the case of his clients.
The Nigeria Police under IGP Egbetokun will never condone lawlessness and impunity as insinuated by the human rights lawyer.
Police personnel under IGP Egbetokun will continue to abide by Section 4 of the Police Acts and Regulations, which lists the duties of the police force to include the prevention and detection of crime. The apprehension of offenders. The preservation of law and order.
IGP Egbetokun won’t be sidetracked by biased media publications that misrepresent his office because he is prepared to establish a police force that will not only handle security issues but also turn into a pillar of trust and dependability for the Nigerian people.
Adewole Kehinde is the publisher of Swift Reporters and can be reached at 08166240846. E-mail: kennyadewole@gmail.com
