I’m not guilty of anything, says new Kwara CP, Egbetokun

The newly posted commissioner of police to Kwara state, Kayode Egbetokun on Sunday reacted to issue of protests against his deployment to the state, saying he is not guilty of anything.

Egbetokun said this while responding to questions from journalists on the sideline of his maiden press briefing after resumption.

“Inspector General of Police has responded to this issue. And you know silence is golden but that may not be true in most cases. I want to say here that I am not guilty of anything even though I am keeping quiet.

“I want to assure everybody in the state that they need not to fear. Before my posting to Kwara, I was at the police headquarters and I have taken part in the preparation for the election. We discussed strategies for the coverage of the election in a recent training.

“I have been in touch with the senior officers here and have gone through the operation order. I want add that I am satisfy with the arrangement. We only needed to perfect whatever that needed to be perfected. I am here to give a level-playing ground to all contestants irrespective of party,” he said

Reacting to protests by some groups in the state over his posting to Kwara, the CP said, “Protests are fundamental human rights and once it is lawful and peaceful, police will protect them even if it is against me.

For the Presidential visit to the state, Egbetokun said it will be very smooth and pleasant experience for everybody.

Egbetokun said he is excited to be in Kwara state because the officers he met on ground are of good quality and integrity.

“I feel at home in Kwara. Officers I met here know what I stand for. Everywhere I have worked, I am always committed to excellent service. I am here to work with vigour and integrity. I believe in the rule of law, principle of fairness and integrity and I believed my stay will be pleasant,” he said.

While seeking for the support of people in the state for success of his tasks, the police boss appealed to Kwarans to support policemen to succeed adding that his style of policing system will be community-based, intelligence-led and technology-driven.

“I am committed to human rights protection but criminals will find it difficult. Criminals have two choices to either change their ways or relocate out of the state,” Egbetokun said.