Taiwo Popoola
A civil society organization, the Concerned Citizens for Justice and Rule of Law, has faulted activist politician, Omoyele Sowore, for referring to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, as ‘illegal IGP’.
The CSO said the ‘nickname’ not only denigrates the IGP but also ridicules the Nigeria Police Force.
The Police Filed Cybercrime Charges Against Sowore for Referring to Ebgetokun As Illegal IGP
Sowore was initially invited by the Force for questioning at the Nigerian Police Intelligence Response Team, IRT, office in Abuja on Monday over an investigation into a case of resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to a lawful order, acts intended to cause grievous harm or prevent arrest, compelling action by intimidation, reckless and negligent acts, refusal to assist a public servant, and cyberstalking.
He was eventually arraigned on Wednesday on cybercrime charges for calling the Nigeria Police Force boss ‘illegal IGP’ on his social media pages. Sowore pleaded not guilty to the charges.
However, in a statement on Friday, the Concerned Citizens for Justice and Rule of Law accused Sowore of undermining national security.
The CSO, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Comrade Kabir Matazu, described Sowore’s actions as a well-orchestrated distraction campaign aimed at diverting attention from the progress being made in ensuring national security.
The CSO said Sowore’s attacks on the IGP are part of a broader agenda to weaken Nigeria’s institutions and make it easier for his foreign sponsors to control the national narrative.
It stressed that Sowore’s actions are part of a deliberate attempt to undermine the country’s corporate integrity and national sovereignty.
“We condemn in its entirety the baseless and malicious attacks being launched against the IGP by Omoyele Sowore. His unwarranted attacks on the IGP are part of what we believe to be a well-orchestrated distraction campaign aimed at diverting attention from the tremendous progress being made in ensuring national security.
“Nevertheless, let it be known that Nigeria is not a playground for anarchists, and the rule of law will always prevail over the antics of mischief-makers like Sowore.”
The CSO noted that the IGP’s leadership has resulted in a significant reduction in violent crimes, including kidnappings, armed robbery, and terrorism-related incidents.
“Undoubtedly, the IGP has brought a new era of professionalism and effectiveness to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). Unlike some who blow their own trumpets at the slightest achievement, IGP Egbetokun has quietly and meticulously implemented strategic reforms that have significantly curbed crime.
“Apparently, his leadership has witnessed a marked reduction in violent crimes, including kidnappings, armed robbery, and terrorism-related incidents. Furthermore, community policing initiatives which he broadly enacted have helped to strengthen trust between the police and citizens, ensuring better cooperation in intelligence gathering.
“Despite these laudable achievements, the IGP has chosen modesty over self-glorification. A rare trait which we see as the mark of a true leader; one who is fully driven by duty rather than personal acclaim.”
Urging Nigerians not to be swayed by Sowore’s antics, the group called on the judiciary to allow the law to take its full course, stating that no one is above justice.
It also urged the IGP not to be distracted by Sowore’s antics.
