…unruly officer will be duly sanctioned – Police CP
By Lucky Isibor
The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki and the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., have condemned the manhandling of officials of the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA), by a police officer while on duty on Sapele Road, in Benin City.
Obaseki said it is barbaric for a police officer whose duty it is to maintain law and order, to attack officials of EDSTMA.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Kokumo has said the state command will not tolerate acts of incivility against residents of the state or sister law enforcement officials by the Police, following an official complaint lodged by the SSG.
The commissioner assured that the police would investigate the allegation thoroughly to establish what transpired, after which the law will be allowed to take its course.
Recall that a Police officer identified as Joseph Sunday allegedly manhandled two officers of EDSTMA, Messrs Lucky Sunday and Balogun Franklin, while the traffic officials were on duty. The video clip went viral on social media.
Kokumo said he got to know about the incident through a formal complaint on the matter from the Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie Esq.
“I am subjecting the matter to investigation. The Deputy Commissioner in charge of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will commence investigation immediately,” Kokumo said.
He called on the public to report to his office, acts of incivility and recklessness by policemen in the state, assuring that he will follow up the complaints to ensure that things are done properly.
Noting that the command has a smooth working relationship with the government and sister law enforcement agencies, he said: “We partner various securities to ensure crime is reduced. Our men should not be seen or found acting recklessly.
“On my assumption of office as the CP of the Police in the state, I summoned a meeting of stakeholders in traffic management in the state. The head of EDSTMA, as well as the Police Superintendent in charge of the state traffic department, were present. The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) was also around and we deliberated on how to improve road traffic management. We are all working in harmony to ensure Edo people do not suffer unduly on the road,” he added.
