Presidential candidate of African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has demanded the removal of Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Nasiru Bello Kankarofi. Sowore made the demand following the reported arrest of a University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) lecturer, Elijah Olorunsuwa, by policemen attached to the Kogi State Police Command. Olorunsuwa, a social commentator, was arrested at his residence in Ilorin, Kwara State, and taken to Kogi before being released.
According to Olorunsuwa, his arrest was linked to a petition allegedly written by Jerry Omodara, security adviser to the Kogi state government. Omodara accused Olorunsuwa of using social media to make "false allegations and publications" against the state government, specifically regarding the award of the Kabba-Oke-Offin-Olle-lluke road project. This incident has sparked concerns about the police's role in suppressing free speech and silencing dissent.
Sowore alleged that CP Nasiru Bello Kankarofi has "severally facilitated political intimidation" and should be relieved of his post. He emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force must not become an instrument for suppressing free speech, silencing dissent, or settling political scores on behalf of any governor. Sowore stressed that Kogi citizens have constitutional rights to speak, criticize their government, organize, and peacefully dissent.
The activist stated that these rights are not privileges to be granted or withdrawn by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo or the Commissioner of Police. Sowore demanded that CP Nasiru Bello Kankarofi must be removed from office over his repeated arrests and detention of citizens and political critics in the state. He made the demand in an X post on Monday.
The incident has raised concerns about the police's handling of critics of the state government. Olorunsuwa's arrest and release have sparked debate about the limits of free speech and the role of the police in a democratic society. The Kogi State Police Command has not officially commented on the incident.
Sowore's demand for the removal of CP Nasiru Bello Kankarofi has been making rounds on social media, with many Nigerians expressing support for the activist's call. The incident has also raised questions about the relationship between the police and the state government. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has not commented on the incident.
The controversy surrounding CP Nasiru Bello Kankarofi's tenure as Kogi State Commissioner of Police is ongoing. Sowore's call for his removal has added to the growing concerns about the police's role in the state. The Nigeria Police Force has not officially responded to Sowore's demand.
Key points
- Omoyele Sowore demands removal of Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Nasiru Bello Kankarofi.
- CP Nasiru Bello Kankarofi allegedly facilitated repeated arrests and detention of citizens and political critics.
- Sowore emphasizes that Kogi citizens have constitutional rights to speak, criticize their government, organize, and peacefully dissent.
