Ondo ACN aspirants parley with police chief on insecurity

Governorship aspirants on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State yesterday met with Police Commissioner Edgar Nanakumo on the spate of attacks of their members by suspected thugs of the ruling Labour Party (LP).

They expressed worry over the growing tension the attacks are causing.

At the meeting were Senator Ajayi Boroffice, Chief Tayo Alasoadura, Chief Jamiu Ekungba, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), Chief Jayeola Ajatta, Olayato Aribo and Comrade Sola Iji.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, Iji said: “Because of the security challenge in the state, caused by the attacks on ACN members and aspirants, there is need for us to address the issue collectively.

“We, the aspirants – after receiving reports on indiscriminate arrests of our members on trumped-up charges of armed robbery and possession of fire arms, among others – resolved to meet the police commissioner.”

The politician said the meeting was aimed at addressing the ruling party’s surreptitious use of the police to intimidate and cow ACN members because of their legitimate resolve to wrest power from the LP.

Iji said: “The incessant violence being perpetrated against our members is not proper. We should not allow the matter to be swept under the carpet; hence our resolve to bring the case to the doorsteps of the police commissioner.”

The former ACN chairman said some of the party’s supporters are being detained at the State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

According to him, the aspirants met with the head of SARS, Tunji Disu, who said his office could not be used to muzzle the opposition.

Iji said Disu directed them to the police chief to whom they expressed the party’s anxiety on the safety of its members.

Nanakumo said he would not be arm-twisted by anybody.

He said the police command would remain neutral in the politics of the state, adding that it would not take any unjust action against anyone.

According to him, nobody will be unduly detained because of mere petitions.

The police chief added that if criminal allegations are brought against anybody, they would be properly investigated.

Nanakumo said except in cases of murder, anybody arrested on non-criminal matters would be allowed bail.

He dispelled the rumours that the command was planning to detain ACN stalwarts indiscriminately.

The police chief urged ACN and other parties to cooperate with the police to ensure peace before, during and after the October 20 election.

via The Nation