Civil society organisations (CSOs) have staged a peaceful protest in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, demanding the immediate redeployment of the state Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gothan, over alleged failure to address rising insecurity and political violence in the state.
The protesters, under the aegis of The Network of Osun Civil Society Groups, converged at Nelson Mandela and marched through Oke-fia, Alekuwodo, and terminated the protest at Olaiya.
The protesters were seen carrying placards with inscriptions such as “IGP come to our aid,” “Gothan must go,” Osun was peaceful before the arrival of Gothan,” “IGP do the needful,” among others.
Speaking at the sidelines of the protest, the Director, Social Economic and Civil Rights Advocacy (SECRA), Comrade Olowu Emmanuel, alleged that despite rising political tensions, including the destruction of billboards and violent attacks in parts of the state, the police had not responded in a manner that inspired public confidence, hence the call for Gothan’s redeployment.
He noted that while the police had confirmed the incident, no suspects had been publicly paraded or prosecuted as of the time of the protest, warning that failure to address the situation could discourage voters from participating in the forthcoming election.
He said, “We are here today to communicate that IGP and call for the immediate redeployment of Ibrahim Gothan, the commissioner of police for Osun State.
“We are making such a demand because in the last 2 months there has been a political crisis in the state, don’t forget that billboards are turned and the commissioner of police has not responded as expected, don’t forget also that last week some set of political come into Osogbo and shot guns across the town, people got injured that the police confirmed. Still, it is quite unfortunate that as we speak. A set of people have been paraded or arrested.
“The negative implication is that if we do not act fast, there will be voter apathy on election day which will eventually lead to people being disenfranchised.”
He therefore urged the IGP to deploy a police commissioner who would demonstrate professionalism and impartiality in the discharge of duties.
Meanwhile, the DPO Dugbe Police State, Joshua Owolabo while addressing the protesters said, “We need to be peaceful in presenting our demands, and I want to assure you that the Police Commisioner is assuring the residents of the state that everybody is safe and secure and he’s doing everything necessary to ensure that is achieved.”
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