Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, under the auspices of the Network of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria have criticised the Nigeria Police Force’s alleged partisanship in Edo State, seeking neutrality ahead of the September 21 governorship polls.
They accused the police of arbitrarily arresting and detaining members of the Edo State Security Corps.
While speaking with newsmen on Monday in Abuja, the National Coordinator, Comrade Victor Kalu and the National Secretary of the Network, Ali Abacha, urged the Inspector General of Police to ensure the immediate release of Amos Tom Uduhagene, Kingsley Osahon, and two others, who are staunch members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
There were concerns over the police’s perceived bias, citing reports of planned arrests of prominent PDP and Labour Party members, including Hon. Destiny Enabulele, Hon. Kelvin Obaragie, and others.
The CSOs called on the President to ensure the non-interference of security forces in the Edo State governorship election.
They emphasised the importance of police neutrality, noting that the force’s professionalism and impartiality are crucial to the success of the polls.
According to the CSOs, Edo State citizens can choose their governor without coercion, and all stakeholders should prioritize peace and decorum.
They said, “The Nigeria Police Force is the lead security agency in the management of peace and security during elections and its professionalism and impartiality, before, during and after the elections goes a long way in determining the success or otherwise of our elections.
“However, If the Police Force is perceived to have taken sides with one of the parties to the elections, the electorate naturally resorts to self-help and such unprofessional conduct becomes a tonic to the breakdown of law and order in the society.
“We appeal to the Police to do everything to ensure neutrality and maintain professionalism as we count down to the Governorship polls.”
