…Advocacy Group Tasks New Commissioner to Restore Professionalism, Enforce Outstanding Warrants, and End Era of Selective Enforcement
The Advocacy for Good Governance in Nigeria (TAGGIN), has formally welcomed the newly posted Commissioner of Police to Osun State, CP Ibrahim D. Zangura. His deployment comes at a defining moment for policing in the state and presents a critical opportunity to rebuild public confidence in an institution that, under the watch of former CP Gotan, was widely perceived to have abandoned neutrality for partisan politics.
TAGGIN recalls with concern the troubling record of the immediate past command. Under CP Gotan, the Osun Police Command appeared to drift from its constitutional mandate. Investigations into politically motivated attacks were either delayed, diluted, or abandoned. Individuals and groups allegedly linked to the All Progressives Congress, APC, were widely perceived to enjoy protection and cover.
More disturbing was the visible presence of police officers providing escorts for notorious political thugs. In several instances, statements issued by the Command bore the clear imprint of political operatives, with little regard for facts, balance, or professional standards. These actions emboldened perpetrators of violence and left ordinary citizens feeling unsafe and unprotected.
The people of Osun bore the brunt of that era. They witnessed how selective enforcement and partisan leanings turned the police into an extension of political machinery rather than a neutral law enforcement agency. The people of Osun do not wish to return to those dark days.
A NEW STANDARD FOR THE NEW COMMAND
TAGGIN therefore calls on CP Ibrahim D. Zangura to immediately draw a clear line and reset the tone of policing in Osun State. Specifically, we demand:
1. Total Neutrality and Professionalism
Every officer under the new command must be instructed, in clear terms, to shun partisan policing. Command responsibility requires that CP Zangura ensures his men understand that no political party, no matter how powerful, is above the law. Neutrality must be practised without exception across the 30 LGAs and LCDAs.
2. Justice for Victims of Political Violence
Justice delayed is justice denied. The killers of Kolade Eluyera, Ajayi Aderogba, and 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade, and several other citizens, must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted. The files on these cases must be reopened and pursued to a logical conclusion. Criminal elements within any political network who were allegedly shielded by previous leadership must no longer enjoy protection.
3. Enforcement of Outstanding Warrants
CP Ibrahim D. Zangura must demonstrate immediate commitment to the rule of law by effecting the arrest of Asiri Eniba and other indicted persons in line with warrants issued by courts of competent jurisdiction. Selective enforcement erodes the credibility of the Force.
4. End to Illegal Escorts and Political Interference
The practice of providing police escorts to known political thugs must stop. Likewise, the era where political parties drafted and dictated police press statements must come to an end. The Nigeria Police Force must speak with one voice — the voice of the law.
OSUN DESERVES BETTER
The people of Osun State deserve a police force that is impartial, courageous, and accountable. A force that investigates crime without regard to the political colour of the suspect. A force that protects the voter, the trader, the student, and the farmer with equal vigour.
CP Ibrahim D. Zangura has both the opportunity and the constitutional duty to deliver this. His legacy will be defined by whether he chooses the path of integrity or repeats the mistakes of the past.
TAGGIN will continue to monitor the Command closely. We will commend professionalism where we see it, and we will not hesitate to speak out if neutrality is again compromised.
The standard is clear and non-negotiable: End impunity. Pursue justice for every victim. Restore professional, non-partisan policing.
Osun State deserves nothing less.
Signed:
Comrade James Onifade
Convener and Lead Advocate
The Advocacy for Good Governance in Nigeria — TAGGIN
