OYO SACKED COUNCIL CHAIRMEN RESUME OFFICE, AS POLICE THREATEN LAWBREAKERS
Segun Showunmi in Ibadan
The controversial surrounding the resumption of the sacked Chairmen of Local Government in Oyo State, was on Monday laid to rest, as the chairmen resumed, just as the Police Command called on stakeholders to refrain from any act(s) or cause of action that may lead to breakdown of laws and order,.
Penpushing reports that, the Commissioner of Police,Sina Olukolu in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Olugbenga Fadeyi , stressed on need to avoid lawlessness, and subsequent shedding of blood, injuries or damage to properties.
“The Commissioner of Police wishes to appeal to all the Stakeholders, leaders and the entire peace loving good citizens of Oyo State involved in the administration of Local Government in Oyo State to be circumspect in their respective efforts at managing their respective demands on the daily administration of these Local Governments and LCDAs and prevent a descent to unpalatable/unintended consequences’.
“The role of the Police in the current issues surrounding the administration of Local Governments in Oyo State should not be seen as a face-off but as part of the professional Police efforts geared towards the performance of its constitutional responsibilities.”
“The Commissioner of Police Oyo State Command, Shina Olukolu wishes to remind for the umpteenth time all the people and Stakeholders in the Local Government administration in Oyo State that it is the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force to amongst other duties, protect lives and properties, maintain laws and order, arrest, investigate and prosecute offenders and the due enforcement of all laws and extant enactments etc in accordance with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and the Police Acts and Regulations.”
The statement said the Police is hopefully that issues at stake/unintended lock jam will eventually be addressed to the satisfaction of all the groups concerned and in the best interest of the entire people of Oyo State who have no other State that they can call their own.
Penpushing further reports that the Police however warned social miscreants/ criminal minded individuals/groups to stay clear from the premises of the Local Governments and LCDAs as the Police will not allow any such developments.
“The law abiding members of the Public are however assured of their safety and advised to go about their lawful businesses in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility devoid of any molestation, intimidation or threat whatsoever. In the same breath, they are urged to continue to partner with the Police to enable us collectively deal with the criminal elements in our midst’
Penpushing also reports that the Council bosses resumed their various respective offices, in contrary to order by the Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, who shortly after his inauguration in May last yearsacked them
The chairmen who were elected during the May 12 local government election conducted by the administration of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, had engaged in 8 month legal battle against the present government, and vowed to resume office on Monday.
