In a significant development, the Plateau House of Assembly has unanimously passed a vote of no confidence on the state Commissioner of Police, CP Bartholomew Onyeka, and has called for the immediate re-opening of the 17 local government secretariats across the state.
Speaking at a press conference in Jos on Thursday, Ishaku Marem, the spokesman for the 10th Plateau Assembly representing Bokkos Constituency, accused the State Commissioner of Police of misleading the Inspector General of Police (IGP) regarding the true situation in the state due to his personal political interests and involvement.
Marem stated, “Our position is well-informed that the IG does not reside in Plateau State, which indicates that he has been misinformed by the State Commissioner, who is his representative here.”
The lawmakers emphasized that the primary duty of the police is to protect the lives and properties of citizens and to ensure the proper protection of constituted authorities within the state. However, they expressed their disappointment with the current situation, alleging that the police have shown bias instead of maintaining neutrality.
“It is disheartening that instead of being neutral, the police have proven otherwise, as if they are partisan,” the lawmakers lamented.
They further explained that after the newly sworn-in Transition Management Committee Chairmen went to their respective local governments and were received by a large number of citizens, the police responded by closing the secretariats, despite only a few minor issues. The lawmakers expected the police to call the dismissed council chairmen for dialogue, rather than taking such drastic measures.
As a matter of public importance, the 10th Assembly has called on the Inspector General of Police to reverse his directive and reopen the 17 council secretariats without delay.
In their statement, the lawmakers also urged the citizens of the state to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and instead remain peaceful and law-abiding.
The Plateau House of Assembly’s vote of no confidence in the state Commissioner of Police and their demand for the re-opening of the local government secretariats reflect the growing concerns regarding the alleged partisanship and mishandling of the situation. The developments will undoubtedly put pressure on the relevant authorities to address the issue and restore peace and order in the state.