A coalition of 1,000 civil society organisations has applauded the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for withdrawing officers assigned to the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission.
Under the auspices of the Transparency Watch Initiative (TWI), the coalition described the IGP’s action as timely and necessary to avoid the breakdown of law and order.
Last week, no fewer than 40 policemen providing security and investigation support for the agency were asked to report back to Command headquarters with immediate effect.
In a statement signed by its President Dr. Kolawole Anthony, the coalition welcomed the development and thanked the IGP for stepping in.
He said the state’s anti-corruption agency is one of the tools to fight these persons and security personnel found themselves in the middle of the crossfire.
Describing Kano as an example of how governors will misuse state police, the coalition said officers under their control could be used for political or personal gain and compromise human rights and security.
The coalition accused the Kano State government of using state funds to prosecute those against the administration.
“We welcome the news of IGP Egbetokun’s decision to withdraw police officers attached to the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission with great excitement,” the groups said.
“This is not only timely but necessary to avoid further breakdown of law and order in the state. As we all know, Kano is very volatile.
“The police officers were reportedly being used to do his bidding under the guise of a probe. That is why so many questions have been raised about state policing.
“We want to commend the IGP for this bold decision and urge the Federal Government to take a second look at state policing. We want to, therefore, remind the governor that power is transient. Power is a tool for change, not destabilization. He should retrace his steps and seek forgiveness.”
