The Progressives Elders Forum (PEF) in Oyo State on Friday commended the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba and the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Williams for gradually restoring sanity to the political landscape of the State.
The PEF in a statement by their spokesman, Comrade Abegunde Agboola said the recent arrest and arraignment of a known political thug, Mukaila Lamidi (a.k.a. Auxiliary) is a great relief to the people of the State especially residents of Ibadanland.
Agboola in a two-page press statement made available to the newsmen expressed joy over the Auxiliary’s arraignment saying, ‘this is indeed a good riddance to bad rubbish.
“This singular effort of the CP Adebowale Willams has shown that the current Police boss is a thoroughbred professional who would always walk his talk no matter whose ox is gored.
“Four days ago, the CP addressed a Security Summit in Ibadan where stakeholders including Mogajis, Baales and other notable citizens of the great city of Ibadan expressed serious displeasure about the daily threats to the lives and property by the residents by these elements I’m our society.
“The CP allayed our fears and said the IGP is a no nonsense Boss who had given directives to all Police commands to rein in, on all criminals and other despicable elements constituting themselves as nuisance to other people going about their lawful duties.
“Though Auxiliary and his gang of terror squad have been sent a strong warning now to respect the wish of others and stop vandalising billboards and people’s means of livelihood, but he (Auxiliary) still has many cases to answer because the police have been petitioned severally on his atrocities bordering on threat to lives of known political figures; alleged connivance in the killing of one Ramoni in Iwo road Ibadan and other civil disturbances since 2019.
“The CP must not spare him any longer. The long arm of the law is already tightened around his neck and he must not escape justice.
“We use this opportunity to say that the Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde is a reputable man of honour but appears overwhelmed by this criminal element in his government who obviously is being shielded from prosecution by cabinet members.
“These cabinet members are sharing from the monies being generated from motor parks which Auxiliary headed since year 2020.
“The Governor must show to the world that he is in charge of this government and send packing these criminal elements otherwise it would be seen that the governor also has a hand in their atrocities.
“Once again, we commend the State Commissioner of Police Adebowale Williams and task him to always walk his talk because IGP’s orders must always be respected by all and sundry.
“No man, not even the governor of the State is above the law. And nobody should stop the security agents from carring out their lawful duties in protecting the laws of the land.
“The PEF congratulates the CP and the IGP on this latest feat of Auxiliary’s though subsequently released on bail. The Governor must not attempt to make IG and the CP toothless bulldogs. The CP has shown and displayed that he is a man of integrity; very honest and professional to the core.
“Enough is enough. A DPO in Ona Ara Local Government area of the State was attacked and stoned recently by Auxiliary’s boys. We must instill discipline and peace must reign before, during and after the conduct of the 2023 General elections.
“The Governor must be vigilant and look inward to rein in, on these elements who are destroying his name and image. He must be seen to expose criminals and not abeit them.
“The Governor is a man of honour but appears overwhelmed by the criminal elements in his cabinet. A stitch in time saves nine Your Excellency Sir,” Agboola added.
