The kinsmen of the Publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, under the umbrella of the Ese-Odo Progressive Forum, in partnership with the Ondo State Democratic Vanguard, have described the attacks on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, as baseless and malicious.
Speaking at a press conference in Akure, the Ondo State capital, the convener of the group, Comrade Olusegun Victor, and Akintunde Sowore stated that the attacks by Omoyele Sowore and his cohorts are harmful to the progress of the country.
The group alleged that these attacks are being sponsored by desperate politicians and politically exposed officers within the police force who are determined to destabilize the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
It said:
“We, the members of the Ese-Odo Progressive Forum, in partnership with the Ondo State Democratic Vanguard, have gathered today to respond to the baseless and malicious attacks on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) by Mr. Omoyele Sowore.
“As a group of concerned citizens, comprising notable individuals from the Ese-Odo Local Government Area and other parts of Ondo State—where Mr. Sowore himself hails from—we feel it is our duty to address these attacks, which we find not only reckless but also harmful to the progress our country has made in securing its future.
“Mr. Omoyele Sowore’s repeated attacks on IGP Egbetokun are not only baseless but also sponsored by desperate politicians and politically exposed officers in the police force who are determined to destabilize the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“This campaign of vilification is nothing more than a well-orchestrated distraction aimed at diverting attention from the significant strides being made in securing our nation, particularly under the capable leadership of IGP Kayode Egbetokun. These efforts are clearly intended to discredit and undermine the ongoing positive work of the police under his watch.
“As people of Ese-Odo, we are a community known for our decency, principled values, and commitment to societal harmony. We are proud of our history and our people, who have never been agents of destabilization.
“Unfortunately, Mr. Sowore’s actions continuously run counter to the principles we hold dear, earning him a reputation that does not reflect the values of our community.
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“We stand firmly with those who believe that, unlike individuals who misuse their power, IGP Egbetokun has chosen the legal path to address Mr. Sowore’s reckless and defamatory statements.
“Rather than resorting to intimidation, the IGP has responded in a manner befitting his office and the law, proving his commitment to justice, professionalism, and the rule of law.
“In light of the unwarranted insults and falsehoods directed at IGP Egbetokun and the Nigeria Police Force by Mr. Sowore and his band of cyber bullies, we, the Ese-Odo Progressive Forum and the Ondo State Democratic Vanguard, extend our sincere apologies to the IGP and the Force.
“These attacks are not only damaging to the reputation of the police but also to the collective efforts of all Nigerians who support the progress our security agencies are making.
“To set the record straight: Mr. Sowore’s recent claims regarding the continued tenure of IGP Kayode Egbetokun are not only erroneous but also misleading. The continued appointment of the IGP is fully supported by the laws of our nation.
“It falls within the President’s prerogative to appoint and remove any service chief. As with other high-ranking officials in our country, Mr. Sowore must understand that such appointments are not subject to the whims of any individual. For example, Colonel Ahmed Ali (rtd) served as the Comptroller of Customs for eight years, despite having left the Army long before his appointment.
“Similarly, General Hannaniya, who was appointed as the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), had also been out of public service for many years. This is a long-established practice.
“It is important to note that the appointment of the Inspector General of Police requires Senate confirmation after the recommendation of the Police Council, based on the President’s nomination.
“Additionally, the new Police Act guarantees a four-year tenure for the IGP, in line with constitutional amendments. Therefore, the actions and continued tenure of IGP Kayode Egbetokun are firmly grounded in the legal framework of our country.
“We urge Mr. Omoyele Sowore and his supporters to reconsider their actions, retrace their steps, and desist from further undermining our national security. Their actions only serve to ridicule and destabilize the important progress we are making as a nation.
“More specifically, they bring unnecessary disrepute to the people of Ondo State, particularly the good people of Ese-Odo Local Government Area, who are known for their commitment to peace and progress.
“We stand by our security forces and our leadership and will continue to support the efforts of IGP Kayode Egbetokun and the Nigerian Police Force as they work to make our country safer for all.”
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