The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the arrest of a “non-regular police officer” who has been urging Edo State residents to reject Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate.
News About Nigeria gathered that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed September 21 for the 2024 Edo gubernatorial elections.
In a video, the “supernumerary police officer” accused Godwin Obaseki, Edo governor, of financial mismanagement and undermining democratic principles.
“This election on 21st September is not just about APC, PDP, and Labour. It’s about the evil acts committed by Godwin Obaseki and Ighodalo against the people of this state,” he said.
” They have fought and betrayed democracy, abandoned the rule of law, stolen our resources, and now is the time for judgement.
“This is the time for the people to tell them that we are the rightful owners of this state. Obaseki and Ighodalo have financially ruined this state, leading us into debt — they’ve used our resources to build their personal estates.
“Today, Obaseki and Ighodalo have used state resources to establish Globus Bank. I recall that during Adams Oshiomhole’s tenure, Ighodalo was asked to chair a state economic team, but he refused because there wasn’t enough money to pay him.
“That’s how he recommended Godwin Obaseki. You can see they are trying to make governance a family affair between two friends. We, the Edo people, will not allow that. Now is the time to bring Obaseki to justice.”
The officer further alleged that Obaseki had avoided consequences due to his immunity as governor, but warned that he would be held accountable after his tenure.
Reacting to the video, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police spokesperson, denounced the officer’s remarks, clarifying that supernumerary police officers are private individuals trained for specific security duties and are not regular police officers.
Adejobi stated, “The NPF strongly condemns this act and clarifies that the individual in question is not a regular officer of the Nigeria Police Force but a Supernumerary (Spy) Police Officer employed by a private company.”
“Supernumerary Police Officers are private individuals trained by the Nigeria Police for specific security functions, usually within their place of employment.
“They are not on the NPF payroll and do not swear an oath of allegiance like regular police officers. While they have the right to belong to any political party and freedom of expression, the Police frown upon the use of an official SPY uniform for political activities.”
Adejobi confirmed the officer’s arrest, adding that investigation is ongoing in the case.
The police spokesperson asked the public to disregard statements from the individuals.
