Monarchs seek removal of police boss over violence at rally
FOR his alleged complicity in the killing of Taiwo Akinola at the weekend, the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers yesterday called on the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, to order the immediate removal of the Commander of Mobile Police Force in the state, Mr. Gabriel Serenkele.
A statement signed by its Chairman and the Onitaji of Itaji, Oba Adamo Babalola, expressed displeasure over the killing of Akinola, a native of Odo Owa Ekiti in Ijero Local Council on Sunday during a clash between the police and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The monarchs expressed fears that if the police authority did not effect the necessary changes, the state may turn into a theatre of war before the June 21 governorship election.
They said the incident, which happened barely 24 hours when the President Goodluck Jonathan visited the state, is totally unacceptable to the people.
According to the statement, “In all civilized nations, police are meant to maintain peace and protect the citizens. The barbaric act exhibited on Sunday by a member of the Nigeria Police Force shooting an innocent citizen is totally unwarranted and unacceptable to the Council of Obas in Ekiti State. We want such a policeman to be removed from Ekiti and incarcerated. He is not fit to participate in the coming election. Ekiti people will react if such ugly occurrence happens again.
“The commissioner of police should desist from giving life ammunition to some classes of police officers while checking peaceful demonstrations. He should not allow the security of the state to get out of hands.
“We don’t want Ekiti to be turned into a theatre of war as being preached in Abuja,” appealing to all politicians to embrace peace.
