Oyo state Police Command Monday warned the people and stakeholders in the Local Government administration to steer clear of any act that may lead to breakdown of laws and order across the state.
The Command handed down the warning in a statement issued by the State Police Public Relatiions Officer (PPRO) SP Lawrence Fadeyi made available to newsmen in Ibadan on the resumption into office of sacked local government Chairmen in the state.
In the statement, the PPRO added that “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, CP Shina T. 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” he said.
SP Fadeyi added, “the Commissioner of Police therefore 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.”
“As the Police continue to strive to provide adequate security at the respective Local Government offices; nonetheless, the Stakeholders are enjoined to refrain from any act(s) or cause of action that may lead to breakdown of laws and order, lawlessness, and subsequent avoidable shedding of blood, injuries or damage to properties.”
The PPRO maintained in the statement that “it is our hope that the 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.”
SP Fadeyi then 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” adding “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.
