The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance has expressed concern over the recent wave of allegations purportedly leveled against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, bordering on the alleged misappropriation of about N234 billion through contract awards.
In a statement by its Secretary General, Comrade Olalekan Johnson, the Coalition said the allegations are unfounded and baseless.
It said the allegations by certain individuals, masquerading as civil society groups, are not only baseless but clearly laced with ill-intent.
The Coalition said: “Our coalition is particularly disturbed that such serious accusations would be directed at the office of the Inspector-General of Police, an office currently occupied by a man of impeccable character, distinguished service, and a proven track record of professionalism and dedication to national security.
“Upon close scrutiny, it becomes evident that the so-called civil society groups behind these allegations have based their claims on unverified, misleading, and speculative information.
“Much of the material cited, such as internal police memos and wireless messages, strongly indicates an internal sabotage effort likely orchestrated by disgruntled elements within the Nigeria Police Force.
“These individuals appear to be aggrieved either by the confirmation of the IGP’s four-year tenure by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, or by personal ambitions to ascend to the office of the IGP, which they can no longer pursue due to their impending or existing retirement.
“It is particularly disheartening that sensitive and internal information from within the police institution is being weaponized and leaked to the public domain in a clear breach of service discipline, loyalty, and the ethics expected of uniformed officers.
“Such behavior does not only betray the very core values of the Nigeria Police Force, but it also undermines ongoing reform efforts being championed by the current leadership.
“The public must be reminded that budgetary allocations and expenditure within the Nigeria Police Force are not carried out at the discretion of the IGP alone.
“These processes are strictly guided by the Fiscal Responsibility Act, Procurement Act, and subjected to rigorous oversight by the National Assembly and relevant government agencies. Any suggestion to the contrary is a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and smear the image of the IGP.
“In light of these developments, we urge the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to treat this matter with utmost seriousness.
“There is an urgent need to strengthen internal communication channels, identify the sources of these leaks, and ensure that those responsible face appropriate disciplinary and legal consequences.
“This will serve as a deterrent and help safeguard the integrity of the force. We also call on well-meaning Nigerians to be wary of the orchestrated efforts of those who seek to derail the progress being made under the current leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The campaign of calumny against IGP Egbetokun is nothing but a desperate attempt by anti-reform elements to distract and destabilize ongoing institutional reforms.
“As a Coalition, we reaffirm our unwavering support for the Inspector-General of Police and his administration’s vision for a transformed, professional, and people-oriented police force.
“We remain committed to standing by every effort that promotes transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria.”
