Amaechi’s Mother’s Burial: Dr Sani Urges IGP to Probe Police Conduct in Rivers
Amaechi’s Mother’s Burial: Dr Sani Urges IGP to Probe Police Conduct in Rivers
By Auwal Ahmad Umar
Security expert and publisher, Dr Abubakar Mohammed Sani, has urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the conduct of police personnel during the burial of the mother of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
Dr Sani made the call on Sunday while speaking with our correspondent by telephone, after watching a video clip showing police personnel allegedly blocking access to the road leading to the burial venue.
Dr Sani said the footage was troubling and raised questions about the conduct of the officers, urging the police authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The incident occurred on Saturday as mourners and other guests gathered for the burial ceremony. Reports and video footage from the event showed the presence of police personnel and restrictions around the area, which reportedly made access to the venue difficult for some attendees.
The development attracted attention because of the political background of the former governor and the continuing political tensions in Rivers State.
Dr Sani said the reported police action raised serious questions about the Nigeria Police Force’s responsibility to protect citizens’ constitutional rights, including freedom of movement and association.
“If the Federal Police can be manipulated to do the bidding of those in power, even when it is clear that all citizens have the right to freedom of movement and freedom of association, then they have only succeeded in embarrassing themselves,” Dr Sani said.
He called on the IGP to establish the circumstances that led to the deployment and conduct of the officers involved and, where wrongdoing is established, take appropriate disciplinary action.
Dr Sani said the Rivers incident had further strengthened his opposition to the establishment of state police, warning that placing police directly under the control of state governors could expose opposition politicians and other citizens to harassment and intimidation.
“Only God knows what a police service under the direct control of a State Governor would do to harass, intimidate, oppress, and violate the rights of members of the opposition,” he said.
He instead urged the Federal Government to strengthen the Nigeria Police Force through improved funding, better remuneration and welfare, increased manpower, modern equipment and enhanced professional training.
“Fix and strengthen the Federal Police. Equip them and give them better pay. Increase their numerical strength. Make them professional. They will deliver,” Dr Sani said.
He maintained that the federal police should first be reformed and strengthened before Nigeria proceeds with state police, arguing that creating state-controlled police without addressing existing institutional weaknesses could deepen rather than solve the country’s security and policing challenges.
