CSO to investigate alleged usurp of IGP, Egbetokun functions by Okiro
By Chinwe Madu reporting from Abuja
Irked by the speculation making the round in some quarters that the former Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mike Mbamara Okiro, now usurps the functions of the incumbent IGP, Kayode Egbetoku, a Civil Society Organization, (CSO), Human Dignity Restoration Association, HDRA, with headquarters in Abuja, vowed to investigate the allegation.
Dropping this hint to newsmen through its National chairman, comrade Jude Achebe, the organization said that it does not believe in mere allegation pointing out that even if her office has been inundated with complaints/petitions bordering on the said usurping of the functions of the incumbent IGP, Egbetoku, by the retired IGP, Okiro, that it has to be investigated.
"The most important thing is that Mr. Egbetoku should be very careful and screen properly, petitions flooding his office on daily basis whether from Okiro who was also former chairman of Police Service Commission, PSC, and others so that the innocent is not mistakingly maltreated.
"That Okiro was former IGP and former chairman of PSC doesn't make him to dictate for incumbent IGP or interfere in functions of the IGP Egbetokun. Once you are retired from Civil service you give way to others and have your respect and not to may be stay in your house and be dictating what to do as alleged Okiro is doing. It is a slight on the serving IGP. So we have to investigate and know the true position.
"IGP Egbetokun should be allowed to do his job, President Bola Tinubu should ensure Egbetokun does not have anybody disturbing him as the incumbent IGP for there can't be two Inspectors General of Police in the country.Okiro and others have played their role and have no business presiding over matters meant for the incumbent IGP if any.
"There are allegations to us also that some serving police officers are being warned with sack threat by Okiro if they refuse his influencing a matter he is interested in, these are allegations we will investigate and if true we let the world know.
Definitely the IGP can not allow his functions to be usurped by anybody and we can't have two Inspectors General of Police. The constitution is also clear on functions of the IGP.
"If actually Okiro is usurping the functions of IGP, the IGP or any other person should report him to Police High Command, National Assembly or to the President, Bola Tinubu. Silence means consent, if IGP fails or refuses to draw the attention of Nigerians, it means he is comfortable with the ugly situation," Achebe stated.
Contributing, the national President of Women Arise Initiate, comrade Vincent Ezekwueme also corroborated the view of the HDRA Chairman that investigation will be carried out to ascertain if there is atom of truth in the alleged usurping of the IGP functions as speculated.
To buttress his support for investigation he said that, "Oppressed is as evil as the oppressor when he remained stoically silent"
"I appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and restore normalcy and rule of law in the Nigeria Police Force.If gold rust what will happen to iron?" he queried.
